Legality of MRT and LRT Fare Hike

Most of the population in the Metro ride in Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Land Rail Transit (LRT) to their different destination: work, school and etc. It has been an everyday battle for these commuters to ride on the train. They have to ensure that they can ride right away on the train to save time going to their destinations. But they have to spend more time in the line to buy ticket or to ride in a train that they almost can’t fit. They were like sardines in a can. They also suffer the time loss due to the technical issues of the train. Not just that, they also suffer unpleasant smells from the other commuters and sometimes if you are not lucky you become victim of those who take advantage to others such as: pick pockets and girls being sexually harassed. Commuters wished that this kind of system may change. They wanted to ride in a safe and comfortable to this public transportation since they were paying for every ride. They were hoping that the government will do something about this public suffering. They believed that once the MRT and LRT service improved it will be a good indication for a successful nation.   

Last January 4 2015 the DOTC implemented the fare hike on MRT and LRT. The Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, mentioned that President Benigno Aquino III supports the said increase in order to rehabilitate and improve the MRT and LRT service to its commuters.  Though, the said increase is a burden amongst the Filipino commuters who took the train as primary mode of transportation. It was welcomed with different protest initiated most of the youth sector. There were petitions filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) by different sects but there was no TRO issued. On January 5 2015 the Supreme Court asked the respondents about their side regarding the petition within 10 days. But up to now DOTC Chairman is avoiding in giving his comment on issues raised against its department. Many Politicians on different political parties are subdivided in giving support to the said increase.

On the other hand petitioners questioned the legality of the said increase. It was also observed the fallacies applied to. There were different questions being raised against the fare hike. Such as: Is it right to let the commuters be burdened by the improvement and rehabilitation of MRT and LRT? Was the said fare hike legal? Why TRO cannot be issued? These are the common questions being raised against the DOTC and Aquino Administration. This paper will give its focus in answering those questions and will look more on its legality and hopefully may come up to a recommendation that both government and commuters can benefit.