P-Noy's Speech during the National Transport Conference, 14 May 2012

Plenary Hall, Marikina Hotel & Convention Center, SSS Village, Brgy. Concepcion, Marikina City, | Speech (full text) | http://www.pcoo.gov.ph/speeches2012/s... | News Release below |

Aquino welcomes transport groups' plan to lower fares

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed the move of transport groups to voluntarily lower fares on public transportation following the oil companies' biggest rollback on the price of fuel this year.

In his speech keynoting the National Transport Conference held at the Marikina Hotel and Convention Center on Monday, the President said the group's gesture was a symbol of their compassion to the plight of the common man.

"Saludo ako sa ginawa ninyong rollback sa pasahe; sa pagbalik ninyo nito sa 8 pesos, mula sa 8.50," the President said.

He lauded the transport groups, headed by 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK) and its members for generously agreeing to bring down the fares.

"Walang pilitan, walang tulakan, walang bangayan—nagbukal po ito sa pagkukusa, nagbukal ito sa malasakit ninyo sa kapwa Pilipino. Kabaligtaran nga po ng 1-UTAK ang utak-alimango; nakatuon kayo sa kolektibong pag-angat ng sambayanang Pilipino," the President said.

1-UTAK and its members: the Federation of Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Opereytor sa Pilipinas, Inc., presented a manifesto to President Aquino during the event symbolizing their agreement to lower fares immediately.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Monday said the minimum fare of P8 would take effect on Tuesday, May 15, after it signed an order for the automatic rollback in jeepney fares, which were raised to P8.50 last March. (rck)

• Category

  News & Politics