President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the planned fare increases for public utility vehicles (PUVs), citing the need to ease the burden on commuters amid rising costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a video message posted on his social media accounts, Marcos said higher fares at this time would further strain workers, students, and daily passengers.
“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan,” Marcos said.
“I-postpone na muna natin ‘yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuters, sa lahat ng mga ating manggagawa, mga estudyante, lahat ng gumagamit ng ating transport system.”
Instead of raising fares, the President announced that the government would introduce assistance measures for the transport sector to cushion the effects of increasing fuel prices.
“Ang DOTr ay inutusan ko na simulan na ang libreng sakay sa buong Pilipinas at puwede po ninyong gamitin na muna ‘yan para pangbawas sa gastos sa pang-araw-araw,” he said.
Marcos also revealed that fare discounts would be applied to passengers using MRT and LRT lines, along with reduced toll fees on major roads.
“Sa mga toll road ay mayroon din tayong inutos na diskwento para mas maliit na ngayon ang bayad ng taong-bayan sa paggamit ng mga toll road,” he added.
The President assured the public that the government remains proactive in maintaining stability in daily life despite global challenges.
“Alalahanin po ninyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay laging nandito. Lagi kaming nag-iisip ng panibagong paraan upang matiyak na ang inyong pamumuhay ay normal, maayos, at ligtas,” Marcos said.