MANILA, Philippines — The government is reviewing a potential fare increase for public utility vehicles (PUVs) alongside a fresh wave of targeted financial assistance to cushion drivers and operators from an impending spike in fuel costs.
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and member agencies of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee convened with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Thursday to map out relief initiatives for the struggling transport sector.
“The proposed fare adjustment for public utility vehicles was among the matters discussed, and we hope to arrive at a positive decision in the coming days,” the DOTr stated.
The emergency discussions were prompted by forecasts of a steep rise in local pump prices next week, with diesel projections indicating an increase of up to ₱9 per liter.
To ease the impact of rising operational expenses, the DOTr announced plans to roll out direct financial aid to eligible transport operators and drivers through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Meanwhile, multiple fare hike requests are currently under review by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez previously directed the regulatory body to decide on these pending petitions by October, while the transportation department continues to evaluate expanded fuel subsidies as a parallel or alternative solution.
Transport organizations have continually pushed for rate adjustments to keep up with swelling expenses, with at least one group petitioning for an immediate provisional rate increase of ₱1 to ₱2 to offset the looming fuel surge.
The DOTr highlighted that existing UPLIFT support mechanisms remain active.
Current relief protocols include toll exemptions for provincial buses, waived terminal fees at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), monthly fee waivers at SM transport hubs, a 50% discount for commuters on the MRT-3 and LRT-2 lines, Piso RoRo terminal privileges, and ongoing free ride (Libreng Sakay) programs in partnership with various state agencies.