“In his last SONA, President Benigno Aquino III said that it is reasonable to increase MRT and LRT fares so that the government subsidy can be used for other social services. Do you agree? Why or why not?”

“Yes, because the subsidy is not getting to those who are in greater need. One of the key challenges faced by poor urban communities in using basic services is the cost of these services rather than the availability. Many of the poor, however, do not use the MRT [and] LRT, but [ride the] jeepneys, buses and other means whose rates are higher than the MRT [and LRT] fares. The subsidy for MRT [and] LRT is also fortifying the so-called urban bias in the allocation of government resources at the expense of rural areas.”

Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, PhD, Associate Professor, Sociology and Anthropology Department

“As a commuter who rides the LRT everyday, of course I disagree. Although I can commute using the jeep and save P4, I still use the LRT because it’s way faster than staying in a cramped up jeep while stuck in heavy traffic. To be honest, it’s a hassle to take the LRT every day… Despite [this], I still commute that way because it saves me from earning a cut in my first class of the day. If the president will raise the MRT and LRT fares, what would the MRT and LRT passengers benefit from that if the money will be used for other social services? Will we have a better security system? Will the train become faster? Will the facilities become cleaner? No, we won’t benefit anything from this!  Riding the LRT is hard enough for most people. The least that this government could do is to not increase the MRT and LRT fares.”

Angelou Clarisse M. Leonardo (I BFA CW)

“I do believe that it is the right thing to do, because first of all, [it’s] not common knowledge that the average rate for a ride in the MRT costs P60, [although] we only pay around P15 because the government shoulders the other 75%. The same goes for [the] LRT. A ride should cost an average of P40 but consumers only pay a fraction of that—around P15 [on] average. [It] might not seem like much, but [when you] factor in the [amount] of people who commute [daily], you will see how much money the government is dishing out every day. Subsidizing would mean that consumers would have to pay more. But what’s a few pesos to spare, compared [to] the millions more [that] this will help if the government will be able to subsidize this into helping our farmers, fishermen, servicemen and much more? Agriculture will not be the only one benefiting; all the other industries that will in turn be aided by these subsidies will also get [the] much needed help themselves.”

Saje Molato (I BS CTM)

“I don’t agree with this. Most of the people who ride the MRT and LRT are workers who earn just enough for their family’s survival. If we increase the fares, it would be difficult for them to adjust their budget for their necessities. They can barely make ends meet as it is. The trains are one of the cheapest ways to get from one place to another, if they increase the fares, what will happen to those who budget their money down to the coin just to sustain their families?”

Kara Gadong (II BS LfSc)

“I don’t agree with what Aquino said. These are two different and basic things the government needs to fix and subsidize. It means that one can’t be compromised for the other. Increase of fares will most probably lead to more problems for the government.”

Justin Hernandez (II BS LM)

“I agree. If the government subsidy for the operating costs of MRT and LRT were used for other services, then more Filipinos would benefit, even those who do not take the MRT or LRT. Hopefully, this increase [would also mean] uplifting the quality of our railway system since commuters will be paying more, and they deserve to see and feel where their money goes to. If this happens, then the traffic system would become better also, making more motorists [happy].”

Natasha Dugan (II BS MGT-H)

“To make the fare increase fair and reasonable, the government and commuters must work together. In the side of the government, improvements in our public transportation system should be made and a stricter enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to address the possible increase of commuters on the streets. Developments in the MRT and LRT should be visible. On the other hand, commuters and drivers should have more discipline and follow the rules.”

Kevin De Guia (IV BFA ID)

“I do not fully agree with the president’s plan to increase the MRT and LRT fares. While, in theory, the idea is well-meaning, I am not confident that the president will be able to fulfill the ‘social services’ that he mention[ed]. Anyone who rides the trains will agree that the dilapidation of the stations and the actual trains have only worsened through the years. More than anything, I am waiting for something more tangible than the president’s promise for better social services.”

Sophia Besa (III BS Psy)

“Sure, as long as the money is indeed going to be used for social services. My only concern with this move is that there is greater opportunity for corrupt political officials to plunder money from the government.”

Luigi Mari Opeña (V BS CH-MSE)

“I think I am okay with the increase if I am assured that the facilities and transportation system will improve. I also think the amount should be considerate of the majority of commuters, so as not to be too heavy on their part. But I think certain sacrifices should be made like paying more [for the fares] if we want improvements and modernization.”

Joan Samson (IV BS CTM)