Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23) — State economists are studying the potential impact of the proposed ₱5 jeepney fare hike on motorists and the economy.
During a Palace briefing on Wednesday, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said they must take into account that the country is in the momentum of slowing inflation and a growing economy.
He also said they have to continue the progress the economy has made in recent months, as they consider the petition.
“As you have seen, the labor market has been showing us lower and lower unemployment and underemployment. And we want to continue those, as well as, perhaps more importantly, improving the quality of employment. So those considerations have to be taken into account in approving requests or appeals or things like higher transport fare,” he said.
“But ultimately, it will also depend on the evaluation of the concerned agencies, no, the implementing agencies,” he added.
On Tuesday, transport groups Pasang Masda, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, and Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines filed a petition to raise traditional jeepney fares by ₱5 as drivers and operators grapple with soaring fuel prices.
READ: Transport groups push for ₱5 hike in minimum jeepney fare
