Marcos orders suspension of fare hike

National

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of a fare increase that was supposed to take effect on Thursday, March 19.

The President emphasized that commuters should not face additional costs as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect fuel prices.

In a video message, Marcos said it is not the right time to raise fares, noting that many Filipinos rely on public transport for daily travel.

“In my view, since we still have a problem because of the war in the Middle East, I realized maybe this is not the time to raise fares for our countrymen,” Marcos said.

In a Philstar report, the President directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the increase, which had been approved earlier by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and was supposed to take effect the same day.

The LTFRB said it would deploy 50 “mystery riders” to ensure drivers and operators follow the suspension order.

Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency has been monitoring reports of overcharging and may issue show-cause orders to violators, who could face penalties, including suspension or cancellation of their franchises.

Marcos also assured transport workers of additional government support, including expanded financial assistance to help offset losses from the halted fare increase. He further instructed the DOTr to roll out a nationwide “Libreng Sakay” program to provide free rides and ease commuting costs.

The President added that fare discounts will also be offered in rail systems such as the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit, while toll discounts are being considered.

Earlier, LTFRB officials said the fare increase was based on rising fuel prices, which now range from ₱75 to over ₱90 per liter, along with higher costs of spare parts and wage increases from 2022 to 2025. The approved increase covers jeepneys, buses, airport taxis, transport network vehicle services, and point-to-point buses.(Adriane Josef E. Cabase, USJ-R Comm Intern)