No Fare Hike Muna — Marcos Orders Suspension, Free Rides Nationwide Amid Oil Crisis

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stepped in on Wednesday to halt the looming fare increase that would have hit jeepney, bus, and TNVS commuters across the Philippines. In a video address, Marcos said the ongoing war in the Middle East has made it the wrong time to pile additional burdens on Filipinos who are already reeling from skyrocketing fuel prices.

"Hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe," Marcos declared, ordering the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the fare hike indefinitely. The LTFRB had already approved the increase for nearly all public utility vehicles following weeks of consecutive oil price hikes.

But Marcos didn't stop there. He also ordered free rides across the country and discounted fares on the MRT and LRT systems in Metro Manila. "Pwede po ninyong gamitin muna 'yan para pangbawas gastos sa pang-araw-araw," the President said, framing the measure as direct relief for workers and students who depend on public transport every day.

The President also directed discounts on toll roads nationwide and assured transport workers that additional government support is on the way. "Huwag mag-alala ang ating mga transport workers — mamadaliin namin, dadagdagan namin ang suporta sa inyo," Marcos said, acknowledging that drivers are also hurting from diesel prices that have breached the P100-per-liter mark.

The move comes as the Philippines grapples with the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict, with petroleum prices at record highs and the country's misery index recently climbing to 20.3%. For now, commuters can breathe a little easier — but the bigger question remains: how long can the government keep holding the line?

Source: Manila Bulletin