Various groups filed a “notice of appeal” and “memorandum of appeal” with the Office of the President on March 31 to revoke the fare increase for LRT1 planned for implementation on April 2. The minimum fare for LRT and MRT would be increased by ₱5, from ₱15 to ₱20, as approved by the Department of Transportation based on a petition by Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC).

The appeal was filed by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Kilusang Mayo Uno, Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, Anakbayan, and PARA Advocates for Inclusive Transport. “The President has the authority to stop the fare increase,” Bayan president Renato Reyes Jr said.

In addition to halting the fare hike, the groups called on Marcos to direct the Department of Transportation to disclose the basis for the fare increase and to review and nullify the onerous agreement with LRMC.

According to the privatization contract between the Philippine Government and LRMC in 2014, LRMC can request a 10.25% fare increase every two years, with government compensating should it be disapproved. Reyes argued that such a contract is extremely unfair to both the government and commuters.

Just hours after the groups’ announcement, Malacañang rejected the appeal through a statement by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. “The Palace hasn’t even read our Memorandum on Appeal against the LRT fare hike, and it’s already rejected?” Reyes mocked.

Castro reasoned that Marcos could no longer stop the fare increase because of the contract. In response, Reyes said, “It’s precisely the contract we are denouncing because it guarantees profits for a private company at the expense of commuters and taxpayers.” He added that what the contract stipulates does not mean that the fare increase is just.

“The government’s duty is to protect the public from private companies’ exploitation. This includes scrapping unjust contracts and fare increases,” he stated.

The LRMC is operated by Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation owned by Manny V. Pangilinan and AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp (a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation) owned by the Ayalas.