It can be recalled that last month, the LTFRB ordered the reduction of taxi flag down rates nationwide by 10 pesos. Because of this, the BLISTT Taxi League filed a motion for reconsideration contesting the 10-peso fare reduction. BLISTT stands for Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay.
Upon reading the motion for reconsideration filed by the Baguio-based taxi league, the LTFRB decided to amend the 10-peso reduction to a 5-peso reduction for Baguio City and the Cordillera region.
In the new order, LTFRB chairman Winston M. Ginez said that "The Board is fully cognizant of the peculiar circumstances attendant to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). In contrast to Metro Manila and other Regions, public thoroughfares in CAR are characterized by mountainous terrain and bad road conditions in addition to its distinctly cold climate."
Chairman Ginez added that "during the last fare increase for taxi service granted by this Board, taxi operators in CAR had filed a separate petition for fare increase which was lower than the flag-down rate in other provinces and cities."
With the amendments, the flag down rate in Baguio City and the Cordillera region now stands at 30 pesos. That's 35 pesos less the 5 pesos reduction as ordered by the LTFRB. The order was attested by Executive Director Roberto P. Cabrera III. The new flag down rate has taken effect as of today (April 5).
