Fuel price rollbacks lower tricycle fares in Infanta

by Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Municipal inspectors question a gasoline station attendant in Infanta during checks on fuel price rollbac...

by Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino

Municipal inspectors question a gasoline station attendant in Infanta during checks on fuel price rollbacks. (LGU Infanta)

INFANTA, Quezon — Declining gasoline prices have brought lower tricycle fares to commuters as the municipal government implements a fare adjustment system tied to petroleum price movements. The revised rates took effect on November 12 across 20 designated routes, while separate inspections of 15 gasoline stations identified discrepancies in the implementation of fuel price reductions.

The new fare matrix sets regular charges of ₱18 for one kilometer, ₱22 for two kilometers, and ₱26 for three kilometers on applicable routes. Discounted fares for senior citizens and students begin at ₱15, providing reduced transportation costs for eligible passengers.

The adjustments were implemented under Municipal Ordinance No. 01, Series of 2026, approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Infanta. The measure establishes an automatic fare adjustment mechanism linked to prevailing gasoline prices, with approved matrices covering routes serving Catambungan, Banugao, Magsaysay, Dinahican, Binulasan, and Abiawin.

Meanwhile, the municipal government reported on November 11 that inspections of 15 gasoline stations found nearly all had implemented price reductions that did not fully match the amounts announced by the Department of Energy (DOE). Notices to Explain were issued to the concerned operators, giving them an opportunity to account for the discrepancies before authorities determine whether further action is warranted.

The inspection team was led by Public Order and Public Safety (POPS) Consultant Tommy Fortunado, Ronald Resplandor of the TFD and Business Permits and Licensing Section (BPLS), and Chief of Staff Belbroqz B. Belza. The team examined pump prices and gathered information from retailers as part of the municipality's broader monitoring of petroleum establishments.

The inspection findings carry implications beyond compliance among gasoline retailers, particularly for commuters whose fares are linked to fuel costs. Municipal authorities are using the pricing information to evaluate how changes in petroleum prices should be reflected in the local transportation system.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pangangalap ng datos mula sa mga lokal na gasolinahan, magkakaroon ng mas malinaw at makatotohanang batayan sa pagtukoy ng kaukulang pagsasaayos ng pamasahe, lalo na kung magpapatuloy ang pagbaba ng presyo ng gasolina. Layunin nitong matiyak na ang pagbabago sa presyo ng petrolyo ay maikokonsidera rin sa pamasahe ng mga tricycle, na may direktang epekto sa pang-araw-araw na gastusin ng mga pasahero at kabuhayan ng mga drayber at operator,” the advisory said.

Under the ordinance, tricycle drivers and operators must display the approved fare matrix prominently inside their vehicles so passengers can verify the applicable charges. The requirement provides commuters with a reference when paying fares and allows authorities to identify violations of the prescribed schedule.

The municipal government also outlined prohibited practices and corresponding sanctions for violations of the fare adjustment ordinance. These provisions cover unauthorized fare collection, noncompliance with the adjustment mechanism, and falsification of the approved fare matrix.

“Para sa inyong kabatiran at higit na pagtalima sa mga umiiral na alituntunin, hinihikayat ang lahat ng tricycle driver at operator na sundin ang itinakdang pamasahe upang mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga pasahero. Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagsingil ng pasahe na mas mataas sa itinakdang singil, ang hindi pagtalima sa fare adjustment system, at ang pamemeke sa aprubadong fare matrix,” the advisory said.

Violations carry progressive penalties, beginning with a warning and mandatory seminar for the first offense, followed by a ₱1,000 fine for the second violation. A third offense carries a ₱2,500 fine and a 15-day franchise suspension, while a fourth violation results in franchise cancellation.

Under Mayor LA Ruanto, the municipal government said it would continue coordinating with the Sangguniang Bayan and transportation stakeholders to implement the fare adjustment system. The approved matrices establish the rates drivers must collect, while the ordinance provides penalties for violations as authorities monitor future changes in gasoline prices.