MANILA — Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of planned fare increases for most public utility vehicles (PUVs), citing the need to ease the burden on commuters during a global crisis driven by rising fuel costs.
In a video message, Marcos said the timing of the hikes—initially set to take effect immediately—was inappropriate as the country continues to feel the impact of the Middle East conflict.
“I have instructed the Department of Transportation to suspend the fare hike for now and defer it,” he said, emphasizing support for workers, students, and daily commuters.
Approved hikes put on hold
The now-suspended increases had been approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and covered several transport modes, including jeepneys, buses, airport taxis, and ride-hailing services.
Among the proposed adjustments:
- Traditional jeepney base fare: ₱13 to ₱14
- Modern jeepney base fare: ₱15 to ₱17
- City bus base fare: ₱13 to ₱15 (ordinary), ₱15 to ₱18 (air-conditioned)
- TNVS (e.g., Grab) base fare hikes of up to ₱20
The president did not specify when the increases might be implemented.
Subsidies and assistance
To cushion the impact on transport workers, the government is rolling out expanded support:
- Fuel subsidies and cash aid to be distributed through agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development
- ₱5,000 assistance for drivers across sectors, including jeepneys, buses, taxis, and delivery services
- Around ₱2.5 billion allocated to benefit over 1.1 million transport and delivery workers
Authorities said nationwide distribution of assistance will be completed by next month.
Mixed reactions
Transport groups have criticized the deferred fare hikes as insufficient to offset soaring fuel prices, now exceeding ₱100 per liter. Some groups had pushed for larger increases, citing rising operating costs.
Meanwhile, farmer groups also raised concerns that government aid remains inadequate, warning that high fuel prices are already disrupting agricultural production.
Despite these concerns, Malacañang said the suspension aims to strike a balance between supporting transport workers and protecting commuters from further financial strain.