Bongbong Marcos ordered the suspension of a planned fare increase for public utility vehicles, stepping in as rising fuel prices and global tensions continue to pressure everyday expenses for Filipinos.
The directive came as the Department of Transportation prepared to implement higher fares this week, following earlier approval meant to help transport operators cope with increasing fuel costs. Marcos moved to stop the rollout, citing the broader economic strain already felt by commuters.
“Sa aking palagay, dahil nga eh may problema pa rin tayo dahil sa giyera sa Middle East ay sabi ko siguro hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said in a video message.
He instructed transportation officials to hold off on the increase and delay its implementation.
“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin yan,” he added.
The decision came a day after transport regulators confirmed the adjustment, which was intended to ease the burden on drivers facing higher fuel costs. Marcos said suspending the increase would instead help commuters already dealing with rising prices of basic goods and services.
Alongside the suspension, the President rolled out a set of measures aimed at cushioning the impact on the public. These include a nationwide free ride program, fare discounts on major rail lines such as the MRT and LRT, and reduced toll fees on select expressways.
“Ang DOTr inutusan ko na magsisimula na ang libreng sakay sa buong Pilipinas at pwede po ninyong gamitin muna ‘yan para pangbawas gastos sa pang-araw-araw,” Marcos said.
“At sa MRT at sa LRT ay magdidiskwento po tayo doon sa pamasahe. Bukod pa doon sa mga toll road ay meron din tayong inutos na diskwento para mas maliit na ngayon ang bayad ng taong bayan sa paggamit ng mga toll road,” he added.
Marcos also assured transport workers that support would continue despite the pause in fare adjustments, signaling that assistance programs would be expanded to offset potential losses.
“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,” the President said.
The move places the focus on immediate relief, as the government balances the needs of commuters and transport operators while navigating rising global fuel prices.
