PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday suspended the implementation of the approved fare increases for public utility vehicles (PUVs) supposedly scheduled for Thursday, March 12.
The president issued a statement Wednesday afternoon directing the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the suspension.
In a video message, Marcos said that it is not the time to increase the fare, considering the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“I-defer natin yan, i-postpone na muna natin yan dahil ay nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa commuter, manggagawa, estudyante,” he said.
Marcos emphasized the need to continue providing support to affected Filipinos, especially the users of the transportation system.
The order from the president follows the announcement of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday that fare increases ranging from PHP1 to as much as PHP40 for all modes of land transportation will take effect on Thursday.
The president assured the public utility vehicles that the interventions for the sector are being fast-tracked to alleviate the effects of the rising fuel price.
“Huwag pong mag-alala ang ating mga transport workers dahil madadaliin po namin, dadagdagan po namin ang suporta sa inyo para naman hindi kayo masyadong mahirapan,” he said.
Marcos directed the DOTr to immediately launch free rides nationwide to help the commuters and ease the financial burden.
Fare discounts to passengers of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT), and discounts on toll roads are ordered.
“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,” he said.
The DOTr, in a statement following the president’s message, assured to postpone the fare increase on public transport vehicles and focus on interventions in aid of the passengers and PUV drivers, such as free rides.
DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez has communicated to toll operators for the provision of toll discounts.
The DOTr is also expediting the release of fuel subsidies for qualified drivers and operators as additional assistance.
“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 said.
