President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs), citing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the resulting surge in fuel prices.
In a video statement, the President directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to halt the implementation of the increase, which was scheduled to take effect this week.
“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.
“Kaya't inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin yan,” he added.
The announcement comes a day after the LTFRB and DOTr confirmed on Tuesday, March 17, the fare adjustment on several PUVs intended to help transport drivers cope with the rising cost of fuel. However, Marcos said suspending the increase would help ease the financial burden on commuters already affected by higher prices of basic goods and services.
Alongside the suspension, the President announced additional relief measures, including the rollout of a nationwide free ride program. He also ordered fare discounts on major rail lines such as the MRT-3 and LRT, as well as 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 emphasized that the government would continue to extend assistance to transport workers affected by the decision, assuring them that support measures would be expanded.
“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 DOTr has yet to announce a new timeline for the implementation of the fare hike, which remains suspended until further notice.
