President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of the approved fare hike set to take effect March 19 for public utility vehicles (PUVs), pointing to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on fuel prices.
“Sa aking palagay dahil nga eh may problema pa rin tayo dahil sa giyera sa Middle East… siguro hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe,” Marcos said.
He added that he instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to hold off on the increase:
“Inutusan ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin yan.”
This comes after earlier reports, including a previous article published by about a approved fare hike due to rising fuel costs.
The fare hike had already been approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and was set to take effect on March 19. However, the implementation is now being suspended following the President’s directive.
Marcos acknowledged that transport workers are also affected but said assistance will be provided instead of passing the cost to commuters.
“Huwag pong mag-alala ang ating mga transport workers… dadagdagan po namin ang suporta sa inyo para naman hindi kayo masyadong mahirapan.”
Among the measures mentioned:
“At sa MRT at sa LRT ay magdidiskwento po tayo… sa mga toll road ay meron din tayong inutos na diskwento,” he said.
He also said the DOTr will begin implementing libreng sakay programs nationwide:
“Ang DOTr inutusan ko na magsisimula na ang libreng sakay sa buong Pilipinas…”
In a separate statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed that it is implementing the President’s directive to suspend the fare hike.
The agency said the increase in fuel prices, linked to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, was a key factor behind the decision to defer the adjustment.
The DOTr also said it is preparing and accelerating programs that will assist both commuters and transport workers, including free rides, possible toll discounts, and fuel subsidies for qualified drivers and operators.
According to the agency, these measures are meant to provide immediate relief while the situation remains unstable.
For now, there will be no fare increase, even as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.
The decision reflects a shift from allowing fare adjustments to temporarily absorbing the impact through subsidies and government programs.
Whether the fare hike will be revisited later depends on how fuel prices and global conditions develop.
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