MANILA — The national government has deferred a planned increase in public utility vehicle (PUV) fares and is instead moving to expand financial assistance for transport workers, as fuel prices continue to fluctuate due to global tensions.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said authorities are prioritizing subsidy measures over fare hikes to cushion both drivers and commuters from the impact of rising oil prices.
“The problem is, masyadong malikot ang presyo ng langis; hindi natin ma-anticipate, so we are still adjusting right now. But I think so far kahit papaano, we will be able to soften the blow, ‘ika nga,” Marcos said.
Earlier, Marcos directed the Department of Transportation to suspend the implementation of approved fare adjustments, which were supposed to take effect amid a spike in fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had approved fare increases ranging from P1 up to P40 for various PUVs, excluding standard taxis and motorcycle taxis.
Marcos emphasized that the government is seeking to protect the livelihood of transport workers while minimizing additional burden on commuters.
“Ang talagang habol namin dito is to keep ‘yung hanapbuhay ng tao, na mayroon silang pang-hanapbuhay,” he said.
“Halimbawa, ‘yung mga transport workers, kahit na hindi itataas ang fare sa ngayon, deferred lang muna ‘yung fare hike, ay dadagdagan naman natin ang tulong sa kanila para hindi naman sila malugi,” he added.
The government is currently studying additional subsidy programs as oil prices remain unstable, with officials aiming to balance support for drivers and affordability for the commuting public./PN
