OCD seeks probe on passenger, cargo fare hike from bridge crisis

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) called on transportation agencies on Monday, June 2, to look into the reported increase in passenger and cargo fares in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) believed to be linked to the ongoing crisis caused by load restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno wrote a letter to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon where he expressed concern that recent restrictions on the iconic bridge may have something to do with the fare hikes affecting routes to Tacloban City, Catarman, Northern Samar, and Ormoc City, Leyte.

Nepomuceno asked the DOTr, particularly the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), to investigate the fare hikes, emphasizing the urgency of immediate intervention to ensure the continued movement of passengers and goods, prevent further frustration among residents, and stabilize the region’s economic and market conditions.