Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. put the brakes on a planned fare hike Wednesday, March 18, ordering its suspension to shield commuters from rising costs while promising expanded government support for transport workers.
In a video message, Marcos said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been directed to defer the increase, noting that workers, students, and daily commuters are already saddled with rising costs of fuel and basic commodities.
“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan,” Marcos said.
[Translation: I ordered the DOTr to suspend the fare hike and defer its implementation for now]
“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,” he added.
[Translation: Let’s postpone this because we are in a situation where we must continue supporting our commuters, workers, students — everyone who uses the transportation system.]
Marcos also assured transport operators and drivers that more government assistance is forthcoming to cushion the impact of fuel price increases.
“Our transport workers should not worry because we will speed up and expand support so you won’t be overly burdened,” he said.
The president said he has ordered the rollout of a nationwide free ride program to help commuters cope with daily expenses.
“I instructed the DOTr to start the free ride program across the country, which you can use to help reduce your daily costs,” he said.
He added that MRT and LRT systems will offer fare discounts, while tollway users may also benefit from lower fees.
“Kahit na may malaking gulo na nangyayari ay basta’t kaunti lang ang mararamdaman o sana man — kung kaya naming gawin — sana walang mararamdaman ng ating taong-bayan sa kanilang araw-araw na pagtrabaho, sa ating mga estudyante na araw-araw pumapasok,” he said.
[Translation: Even with major global disruptions, we want people to feel little to no impact in their daily work and studies, if we can manage it]
The DOTr said it would implement the president’s order to postpone fare increases as oil prices reach historic highs due to tensions in the Middle East.
The agency said it is preparing programs to assist commuters and public utility vehicle drivers, including the expansion of the free ride initiative, toll discounts, and the fast release of fuel subsidies.
“DOTr and its attached agencies continue to act to ensure that all possible assistance and support are delivered quickly to commuters, drivers and transport operators,” it said.
Senator Imee Marcos raised concerns on the supposed mixed messaging from the government.
“Oo nga, nakakalito. Nakita naman natin sa kalsada, halos walang tao kasi akala may fare hike. Biglang inatras na naman. Ano ba talaga,” the presidential sister said.
[Translation: Yes, it’s confusing. We saw it on the roads — there were hardly any passengers because people thought there would be a fare hike. Then suddenly it was pulled back. What is it really?]
“Don’t you even have a group chat? This is confusing. You kept us guessing until late at night,” she added.
She also pointed to conflicting signals on fuel taxes.
“Pakatapos sabihin naman ng ating finance secretary na hindi pa kailangan yung excise tax na yan. GC, please! Hilong-hilo na kami,” she added.
[Translation: After saying the president should finish the excise tax authorization, then the finance secretary says it’s not needed. Please — this is making us dizzy.]
Senate President Tito Sotto said providing subsidies may be a better solution.
