Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) — Various groups voiced their strong opposition to possible increases in train fares during a public consultation on the petitions of railway operators on Friday.
Progressive, labor, and commuter organizations called the proposed hikes an added burden to ordinary Filipinos already facing harsh economic conditions.
“‘Yung mga parents hirap na sa allowance sa kanilang mga anak bibiyahe papuntang school, pabalik, na magkasya ang allowance sa lunch and sa expenses for face-to-face classes…as well as young workers na nagsisimula pa lang magtrabaho after pandemic. Hindi po justified at mahihirapan sa fare increase na ito,” Renee Co of Kabataan Party-list said.
[Translation: Parents can’t even give enough allowances to their children who commute to schools and will buy their lunches and spend for face-to-face classes…as well as young workers who are just starting to work post-pandemic. The fare increase is not justified and will just be a burden.]
The Kilusang Mayo Uno, in its position paper posted on Facebook, added that a fare hike is \”very untimely\” as prices of food and other basic commodities continue to go up.
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