Former Bayan Muna Congressman Ferdinand Gaite today condemned the Light Rail Manila Corporation’s (LRMC) petition for another LRT fare increase, calling it “heartless and unconscionable” as self-rated poverty hits a 21-year high.
“LRMC’s timing couldn’t be more callous. They’re seeking fare hikes that could reach up to P12.50 per ride when 63% of Filipino families are already struggling to make ends meet. This is the highest poverty rate we’ve seen in two decades, yet they want to burden commuters even more,” Gaite said.
“Walang-pusong timing ang LRMC. Nanghihingi sila ng dagdag-pasahe na aabot sa P12.50 kada biyahe habang 63% ng mga pamilyang Pilipino ay nahihirapan nang tustusan ang pang-araw-araw na gastusin. Ito ang pinakamataas na antas ng kahirapan sa loob ng dalawang dekada, pero gusto pa nilang dagdagan ang pasanin ng mga commuter,” ani Gaite.
The former lawmaker pointed out that the proposed increases would severely impact working-class commuters:
– Short-distance trips: P8.65 increase
– Mid-distance trips: P6.02 increase
– Long-distance trips: P12.50 increase
– Maximum fare: From P45 to P60
“These are not just numbers. For minimum wage earners who rely on the LRT daily, this means less food on the table, less money for basic necessities. How can LRMC justify another fare hike when they just increased rates last year?” Gaite questioned.
“Hindi lang mga numero ang usapan dito. Para sa mga minimum wage earner na araw-araw sumasakay ng LRT, ang ibig sabihin nito ay mas kaunting pagkain sa mesa, mas kaunting pera para sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan. Paano ijujustify ng LRMC ang bagong taas-pasahe kung nagtaas na sila noong nakaraang taon?” tanong ni Gaite.
Gaite called on the Department of Transportation to reject LRMC’s petition and urged the Marcos administration to prioritize public service over corporate profits.
“We demand that the DOTr reject this anti-poor petition. The government should be finding ways to ease the burden of the Filipino people, not adding to their hardships. Public transportation is a basic service, not a luxury,” Gaite emphasized.
“Nanawagan kami sa DOTr na tanggihan ang anti-mahirap na petisyong ito. Dapat naghahanap ang gobyerno ng paraan para pagaanin ang pasanin ng mamamayang Pilipino, hindi dinaragdagan ang kanilang kahirapan. Ang pampublikong transportasyon ay serbisyo, hindi luho,” diin ni Gaite.#
