PBBM orders suspension of PUV fare hike

By Brian Campued

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the implementation of the fare hike, which was originally scheduled to take effect Thursday.

In a video message, the President stressed that it is not the right time to increase the minimum fare for various public utility vehicles (PUVs) to ease the burden of commuters amid the price increases in petroleum products due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan. 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 ating mga manggagawa, mga estudyante, lahat ng gumagamit ng ating transport system,” Marcos said.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday announced the fare hike for PUVs, including traditional and modern jeepneys, airport taxis, transport network vehicle services (TNVS), as well as ordinary and air-conditioned buses.

The Chief Executive assured PUV drivers and transport workers that the government will expand support to ease their burden amid the oil price hike.

He also instructed the DOTr to provide free rides nationwide, fare discounts on trains, and reduced toll fees.

“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.

On Tuesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), began distributing P5,000 cash relief assistance to PUV drivers, starting with tricycle drivers, and will be followed by jeepney drivers and transport network vehicle services (TNVS) drivers.

In a statement, the DOTr said it would follow the President’s directive to suspend the fare hike and likewise assured the public that it is committed to implement efforts to help mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.

It added that it is now fast-tracking the distribution of fuel subsidies for qualified drivers and operators.

“Patuloy pong kumikilos ang DOTr at lahat ng attached agencies nito para matiyak na agad na maibibigay ang lahat ng posibleng ayuda at suporta sa mga komyuter, tsuper, at transport operators,” the agency stated.

-av