Habal-habal minimum fare set a P25

CEBU, Philippines — Barangay officials and leaders of motorcycle-for-hire drivers, commonly known as habal-habal, in Mandaue City have agreed to implement a uniform minimum fare of ?25, with only a ?2 to ?5 increase allowed depending on distance and fuel costs, following a dialogue aimed at addressing commuters’ complaints over inconsistent fares.

In an interview yesterday, March 30, 2026, Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president and ex-officio Councilor Dante Borbajo said fare adjustments are unavoidable due to rising fuel prices but emphasized the importance of setting standardized rates to protect passengers from overcharging.

Borbajo said habal-habal drivers were urged to post tarpaulins showing the agreed fare matrix at their respective terminals to serve as a guide for the riding public.

In Barangay Canduman, Borbajo said drivers have already agreed on a ?25 minimum fare, with additional charges depending on the distance traveled. He added that he has asked drivers to submit their proposed fare rates so commuters can have a clear reference on how much they should pay.

“Naa g’yud silay increase kay nimahal naman g’yud, pero among hangyo nila nga reasonable lang g’yud,” Borbajo said.

He stressed that fare rates should be uniform and that drivers should not take advantage of the current fuel price situation at the expense of passengers. Arbitrary fare increases, he said, often result in public complaints and negatively affect drivers who follow the agreed rates.

Borbajo described the move as a win-win solution, noting that convening habal-habal leaders was necessary to avoid a “kanya-kanya” system that confuses and burdens commuters. He added that other barangays have also started holding meetings to finalize their respective fare matrices.

Providing fare lists for passengers, Borbajo said, is crucial so commuters can simply check posted rates instead of negotiating with drivers.

The issue was earlier taken up by the Mandaue City Council following reports that some habal-habal drivers were imposing excessively high and inconsistent fares.

Last week, the council urged all 27 barangay captains to coordinate with motorcycle-for-hire drivers in their areas to promote fair and reasonable fare rates amid rising gasoline prices.

Committee on Energy chairman Councilor Jesus Arcilla Jr. earlier said commuters, particularly students and workers, approached his office seeking clarification on fare rates due to wide variations across the city.

Arcilla noted that for a one-kilometer ride, fares in Mandaue City range from ?25 to as high as ?40, depending on the driver. He said convening habal-habal leaders was necessary to arrive at a fare rate that could be uniformly implemented across barangays. — (FREEMAN)