To ease burden on commuters: Marcos suspends PUV fare hike

CEBU, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has ordered the suspension of the planned fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs) that was set to be implemented today (March 19, 2026), as part of the government’s effort to ease the financial burden on commuters.

The decision came amid ongoing global tensions in the Middle East, which continue to pose risks to fuel prices and the overall cost of living.

“Sa aking palagay dahil nga 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. Kaya't inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan,” the President said in a video message posted on his Facebook page.

The President emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of the riding public, particularly workers, students, and daily commuters who rely on public transportation.

He directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the implementation of the fare increase and ensure that measures are in place to support both commuters and transport workers during this period.

To mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs and the suspended fare adjustment, the government is set to provide additional assistance to transport workers, including drivers and operators, to help sustain their livelihood.

As part of its intervention measures, the government will also roll out a nationwide free-ride program aimed at reducing the daily expenses of commuters.

Discounts will likewise be implemented in major rail systems such as the Manila Metro Rail Transit System and the Light Rail Transit to further ease transportation costs.

In addition, toll fee discounts will be introduced across select toll roads to lessen the financial burden on motorists.

The administration aims to cushion the effects of global developments on Filipinos and maintain stability in daily economic activities, ensuring that the public can continue working and studying with minimal disruption.

The DOTr in a separate announcement about the suspension of the scheduled fare increase for PUVs, following the directive of President Marcos, as fuel prices continue to surge due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

The DOTr is also preparing a series of programs aimed at supporting both commuters and PUV drivers, including initiatives for free rides.

DoTrSecretary Giovanni Lopez has already engaged with toll operators to arrange toll discounts, while the department is expediting the release of fuel subsidies for qualified drivers and operators.

The DOTr, together with all its attached agencies, is working to ensure that all possible assistance and support are promptly provided to commuters, drivers, and transport operators nationwide.

Reactions from transport leaders

Ellen Maghanoy, president of the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives was dismayed by the suspension.

“Ngano gud tawon na, nga ang increase nga gihatag sa gobyerno gamay ra man gani na kaayo unya gi suspenso pa gyud,” said Maghanoy, adding that the increase in the prices of fuel is getting unbearable.

The cooperative has over 50 members operating between 800 and 900 modernized jeepneys in Metro Cebu.

The LTFRB has supposedly approved a fare hike for traditional jeepneys by P1 for the first four kilometers, or minimum fare from P13 to P14, and another 20 centavos increase for each succeeding kilometer, which is from P1.80 to P2.

For modern jeepneys, the fare hike is P2, bringing the minimum fare from P15 to P17, with a 20 centavo increase per succeeding kilometer from P2.20 to P2.40.

Richard Cabucos, president of United Cebu Taxi Operators Association (UCTOA) said that their counterpart in Manila has already submitted their letter addressed to LTFRB that regular or white taxi units should be included in the fare increase.

On March 17, 2026, the LTFRB board announced fare increases for PUVs except for regular or white taxis.

But with the announcement of President Marcos on the suspension of the fare hike implementation, Cabucos said, “Wa’ ta’y mahimo ana og iyang ipasuspenso. Basta ang among suwat nga iapil ‘mi sa increase napadala na namo sa LTFRB.

Cabucos said that it is unfair that the regular taxis were not included in the fare increase as the taxi drivers too experience a burden amid the rising cost of fuel.

Prior to the declaration on the suspension of the fare increase, LTFRB-7 Regional Director Abosamen H. Matuan, in an interview yesterday, said the agency is maintaining a balanced approach to the fare hike.

“We are trying to balance the concerns of transport operators and, on the other hand, our commuting public,” Matuan said.

He added that transportation remains a key concern because it also affects the movement of goods.

“In times of crisis like this, oras na para magtulungan,” he said. — Chain Lee Templo, CTU-Tuburan intern/RAE (FREEMAN)