President Marcos expands subsidies for PUV drivers after fare hike suspended

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that the government will expand assistance for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers after directing the suspension of the planned one-peso fare increase.

Citing a report by James Agustin on the TV program 24 Oras, Marcos said authorities are exploring additional ways to provide subsidies to affected sectors.

“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,” Marcos said.

Marcos emphasized that the government’s priority is to protect livelihoods, particularly those in the transport sector.

“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.

On Wednesday, the President directed the Department of Transportation to halt the implementation of fare increases as fuel prices continue to rise due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board had approved fare adjustments ranging from P1 to as much as P40 across public utility vehicles, excluding regular taxis and motorcycle taxis.

The approved fare hikes were originally set to take effect on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

-Paraluman News