No fare hike, transport subsidy to mitigate fuel price hike impact - DOTr

Metro Manila, Philippines - A public transport subsidy will cushion the impact of rising fuel costs such that there will be no need for a corresponding fare hike, a transportation official said on Monday, June 23.

“Nagbigay na po ng utos si Secretary (Vince) Dizon sa LTFRB last week na wala po munang fare increase para hindi rin po maapektuhan ang komyuter, para pina-prioritize po natin ang release ng fuel subsidy,” transportation spokesperson Mon Ilagan said in a televised briefing.

[Translation: Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon told the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last week that fares will not increase so that commuters won’t be affected. We will prioritize the release of fuel subsidies.]

The LTFRB earlier said fare adjustments are on hold as it awaits the study of the National Economic and Development Authority on the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East to fuel prices.

The agency was reportedly reviewing a petition for a P1 jeepney fare hike.

Ilagan said the Transportation Department is finalizing guidelines for the subsidy rollout to benefit public utility vehicle drivers and operators.

He said the agency is coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government to assist tricycle drivers, as well as with the Department of Information and Communications Technology for delivery riders.

Oil companies will carry out a two-step fuel price on Tuesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 26 under a scheme agreed upon with the government.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet with his economic team to discuss the impact of the Middle East conflict.