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PBBM Orders PUV Fare Hike Deferred As Fuel Prices Rise
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of a planned increase in public transport fares, saying the government must protect commuters from additional costs as global oil prices continue to climb.
In a video message released Wednesday, Marcos said he directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the implementation of the fare hike, stressing that workers, students, and daily commuters should not immediately shoulder the impact of rising fuel prices.
“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan,” the President said.
“I-postpone na muna natin ‘yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuters, sa lahat ng mga ating manggagawa, mga estudyante, lahat ng gumagamit ng ating transport system,” he added.
Relief for commuters
Alongside the suspension of fare adjustments, Marcos said the government will expand measures aimed at easing transportation costs for commuters.
Among these is the expansion of the government’s “libreng sakay” or free ride programs in selected public transport routes. The President said such initiatives are intended to help reduce daily travel expenses while fuel prices remain volatile.
“Ang DOTr ay inutusan ko na simulan na ang libreng sakay at puwede po ninyong gamitin na muna ‘yan para pangbawas sa gastos sa pang-araw-araw,” he said.
Marcos emphasized that the government’s goal is to keep daily life as stable as possible despite global developments affecting fuel prices.
“Kahit na may malaking gulo na nangyayari ay basta’t kaunti lang ang mararamdaman o sana man – kung kaya naming gawin – sana walang mararamdaman ng ating taong-bayan sa kanilang araw-araw na pagtrabaho, sa ating mga estudyante na araw-araw pumapasok,” he said.
“Alalahanin po ninyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay laging nandito. Lagi kaming nag-iisip ng panibagong paraan upang matiyak na ang inyong pamumuhay ay normal, maayos, at ligtas.”
Support for drivers and operators
While the suspension is meant to help commuters, the President assured transport workers that the government will continue providing assistance to help them cope with rising fuel costs.
“Huwag pong mag-alala ang ating mga transport workers dahil mamadaliin po namin, dadagdagan po namin ang suporta sa inyo para naman ay hindi kayo masyadong mahirapan,” Marcos said.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation confirmed it will implement the President’s directive and accelerate support programs for both commuters and public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.
The agency said it is preparing several interventions, including the expansion of free ride initiatives and fuel subsidy programs for qualified drivers and operators. Officials also said the department is working to speed up the release of financial assistance to transport workers affected by rising fuel prices.
Why fares were set to increase
The suspension comes as transport regulators had been studying fare hike petitions from jeepney and bus operators, who cited higher fuel prices and maintenance costs as reasons for seeking adjustments.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been conducting consultations and hearings on possible fare adjustments in response to rising operating expenses in the transport sector.
Recent increases in global oil prices have placed pressure on transport operators, particularly those using diesel-powered vehicles, prompting calls from some groups for fare relief.
Balancing commuters and drivers
The issue of fare adjustments has long been a balancing act for regulators, who must weigh the financial struggles of transport operators against the burden higher fares place on millions of commuters.
Transportation costs influence not only daily travel but also the price of goods and services, making fare policies an important factor in managing inflation and protecting household budgets.
For now, the Marcos administration says its priority is to keep public transportation affordable while the government rolls out support programs to help drivers and operators manage rising fuel costs.
In a video message released Wednesday, Marcos said he directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the implementation of the fare hike, stressing that workers, students, and daily commuters should not immediately shoulder the impact of rising fuel prices.
“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan,” the President said.
“I-postpone na muna natin ‘yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuters, sa lahat ng mga ating manggagawa, mga estudyante, lahat ng gumagamit ng ating transport system,” he added.
Relief for commuters
Alongside the suspension of fare adjustments, Marcos said the government will expand measures aimed at easing transportation costs for commuters.
Among these is the expansion of the government’s “libreng sakay” or free ride programs in selected public transport routes. The President said such initiatives are intended to help reduce daily travel expenses while fuel prices remain volatile.
“Ang DOTr ay inutusan ko na simulan na ang libreng sakay at puwede po ninyong gamitin na muna ‘yan para pangbawas sa gastos sa pang-araw-araw,” he said.
Marcos emphasized that the government’s goal is to keep daily life as stable as possible despite global developments affecting fuel prices.
“Kahit na may malaking gulo na nangyayari ay basta’t kaunti lang ang mararamdaman o sana man – kung kaya naming gawin – sana walang mararamdaman ng ating taong-bayan sa kanilang araw-araw na pagtrabaho, sa ating mga estudyante na araw-araw pumapasok,” he said.
“Alalahanin po ninyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay laging nandito. Lagi kaming nag-iisip ng panibagong paraan upang matiyak na ang inyong pamumuhay ay normal, maayos, at ligtas.”
Support for drivers and operators
While the suspension is meant to help commuters, the President assured transport workers that the government will continue providing assistance to help them cope with rising fuel costs.
“Huwag pong mag-alala ang ating mga transport workers dahil mamadaliin po namin, dadagdagan po namin ang suporta sa inyo para naman ay hindi kayo masyadong mahirapan,” Marcos said.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation confirmed it will implement the President’s directive and accelerate support programs for both commuters and public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.
The agency said it is preparing several interventions, including the expansion of free ride initiatives and fuel subsidy programs for qualified drivers and operators. Officials also said the department is working to speed up the release of financial assistance to transport workers affected by rising fuel prices.
Why fares were set to increase
The suspension comes as transport regulators had been studying fare hike petitions from jeepney and bus operators, who cited higher fuel prices and maintenance costs as reasons for seeking adjustments.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been conducting consultations and hearings on possible fare adjustments in response to rising operating expenses in the transport sector.
Recent increases in global oil prices have placed pressure on transport operators, particularly those using diesel-powered vehicles, prompting calls from some groups for fare relief.
Balancing commuters and drivers
The issue of fare adjustments has long been a balancing act for regulators, who must weigh the financial struggles of transport operators against the burden higher fares place on millions of commuters.
Transportation costs influence not only daily travel but also the price of goods and services, making fare policies an important factor in managing inflation and protecting household budgets.
For now, the Marcos administration says its priority is to keep public transportation affordable while the government rolls out support programs to help drivers and operators manage rising fuel costs.
Mar 18, 2026
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