(CNN Philippines) Metro Manila — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is expected to come up with a decision next week on calls to increase bus fares, pending the position paper to be released by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Aug. 17.

In a briefing on Thursday, LTFRB chairperson Cheloy Garafil said upon NEDA’s submission on Wednesday, “the case will be deemed submitted for resolution” already, thus no hearing will be conducted.

“We recognize that there’s really–yung gas prices ay talagang tumaas na since the last fare increase sa buses. But we also recognize na magkakaroon talaga ito ng impact sa ating mga pasahero that’s why we’re very, very careful,” she said.

City bus operators have been appealing for a ₱4 to ₱7 fare hike, and increments beyond the first five kilometers.

While drivers and operators hope the hike will be granted amid rising fuel prices, commuters’ protection groups urged authorities not to increase fares by over ₱2.