PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the planned increase in public transportation fares, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on commuters.
The President cited the ongoing global instability, particularly the tensions in the Middle East, as a reason why now is not the opportune time to impose additional costs on the public.
In a video message released yesterday, President Marcos stated, “This is not the time to increase fares for our countrymen.” He explained that upon seeing headlines about the approved fare hikes, he felt compelled to act. “Because we are still facing problems due to the war in the Middle East, I said perhaps this is not the time to increase fares for our countrymen,” he remarked.
Consequently, the President directed the DOTr to immediately suspend and defer the fare increases. “I have ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the fare hike for now and let us defer it. Let us postpone it because we are in the midst of this situation where we need to continue our support for our commuters, for all our workers, students – everyone who uses our transport system,” Marcos elaborated.
President Marcos assured transport workers that their needs would receive priority. He said the DOTr would speed up and increase support to help them with issues from the suspension.
“The DOTr is ordered to start free rides nationwide, and you can use this for now to reduce your daily expenses,” he added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens.
Further measures to ease the burden on commuters include discounts on fares for the MRT and LRT systems. The president also mentioned that discounts would be implemented on toll roads. “In addition to the toll roads, we have also ordered discounts so that people will pay less now for using them,” he stated.
President Marcos reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring the public’s daily lives remain as normal, orderly, and safe as possible, despite external challenges. “Even with the major conflicts happening, as long as the people feel little to no impact, or hopefully none at all, in their daily work, for our students who go to school every day, remember that your government is always here,” he assured. He stressed that the administration is continuously seeking new ways to ensure a stable and secure life for all Filipinos.
This presidential directive comes in the wake of previous announcements by LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza regarding fare adjustments. Mendoza had earlier confirmed a P1 increase for traditional jeepneys, raising the minimum fare from P13 to P14, with an additional 20 centavos per kilometer. Modern jeepneys were set to see a P2 increase, from P15 to P17 minimum fare, plus 10 centavos per kilometer. Airport taxis were also slated for a P40 increase in flag-down rates, from P75 to P115. Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) were approved for a P20 increase in their base fare, with sedan TNVS rising from P45 to P65. Metro Manila and ordinary city buses were to have a P2 increase, bringing the minimum fare to P15 for the first five kilometers. Air-conditioned buses on the same routes would see a P3 increase, from P15 to P18 for the first five kilometers. Provincial ordinary buses were to have a P1 increase for the first five kilometers. Petitions for ordinary taxis and UV Express vehicles were still under review.
The President’s swift action aims to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices, which have been exacerbated by the Middle East tensions and have consequently affected the prices of basic commodities and services across the country.
