BACOLOD City — Transport leaders in this city met with Mayor Greg Gasataya on Monday, March 23, in a dialogue aimed at addressing the impact of rising fuel prices and the ongoing challenges faced by the local transport sector.
During the meeting, transport groups said they are holding off on implementing fare increases despite the continued spike in fuel costs, opting instead to seek government assistance.
They appealed for the immediate release of fuel subsidies from national agencies and explored the possibility of additional support from the local government.
Gasataya assured the groups that their concerns would be elevated to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), particularly on the provision of financial assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.
“We understand the situation and the concerns of our transport groups amid the continued rise in fuel prices, largely influenced by global tensions,” the mayor said, referring to developments in the Middle East affecting oil supply.
He emphasized that the city government remains committed to listening to drivers and operators and facilitating solutions through appropriate national agencies.
Among the key concerns raised was the appeal to include around 140 drivers who were reportedly disqualified from receiving fuel subsidies under a list submitted by the Bacolod Alliance for Commuters, Operators and Drivers Inc. (BACOD).
BACOD president Rudy Catedral said he was among those excluded.
Other groups, including the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC) and Drivers United for Mass Progress Equality and Reality (DUMPER), also raised concerns over the distribution of financial assistance.
They urged authorities to release aid directly to drivers instead of coursing it through operators, citing issues during the COVID-19 pandemic when some drivers failed to receive assistance.
The dialogue, attended by Councilor Homer Bais and representatives from various city offices, was described by transport leaders as productive.
The meeting coincided with a nationwide transport strike, in which some Bacolod-based groups participated. Several commuters were reportedly stranded due to a temporary disruption in public utility jeepney (PUJ) operations as part of a “silent protest.”
In response, the city government provided free rides to affected commuters.
Transport services resumed shortly after the dialogue concluded, following what transport groups described as a successful engagement between city officials and sector leaders.
Gasataya reiterated the city government’s commitment to strengthening coordination with national agencies while working toward immediate relief measures for drivers and operators./PN
