President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) addresses questions from the media on concerns related to the soaring fuel prices and its effects on the daily life of Filipinos during his visit to the Agora Market in San Juan City on March 18, 2026. (Courtesy: RTVM / Screenshot)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of the scheduled fare increases for public land transportation that were supposed to take effect today, citing the need to ease the burden on commuters amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
In a video statement, Mr. Marcos directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to defer the hikes, while assuring transport workers that government support, including the P5,000 cash aid, would be expedited and expanded.
“Let us postpone that for now because we are in the middle of this situation where we need to continue supporting our commuters, workers, students, and everyone who uses our transport system,” he said.
Transport group PISTON and the labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno criticized the President’s directive, saying the P1 to P2 fare hike was already insufficient to begin to ease the impact of surging prices of oil, yet it was still withdrawn by the government.
PISTON along with the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan will push through with its two-day strike starting today to call for the scrapping of the value added tax and excise tax on fuel products, the rollback of oil prices to P55 per liter, and a P5 fare hike for all PUVs, and a P1200 wage increase for all workers.
PISTON president Mody Floranda said that since January, drivers and operators have already lost around P390 in daily income due to rising fuel prices.
KMU added: “The plight of workers should not be used to justify this burden on PUV drivers. The call for a fare hike is reasonable at this time when our drivers are barely earning.”
While the fare hike was put on hold, the government has started releasing P5,000 in cash assistance to PUV drivers in Metro Manila under its fuel subsidy program.
Mr. Marcos also ordered a nationwide free ride program and fare discounts on MRT and LRT lines to help reduce daily commuting costs.
He added that toll road discounts would be implemented to ease expenses for motorists.
“Even if there is a major crisis, we hope its impact on our people’s daily work and students’ schooling will be minimal—or not felt at all, if possible,” the President said.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is prioritizing measures to shield both commuters and transport workers from the impact of volatile fuel costs.
“The DOTr and all its attached agencies continue to work to ensure that all possible aid and support is provided immediately to commuters, drivers, and transport operators,” he added.
World oil prices soared anew over the past two days, signaling a potential price hike of P10 per liter for diesel and P6.60 per liter for gasoline next week, industry sources said.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the government is “slowly locking in” oil offers to augment national supply.
“The supply in the country right now is enough until the end of April,” Garin said.
She noted that during normal periods, companies maintain a 15-day stock because holding excessive inventory is costly.
“The government is procuring 1 million to 2 million barrels so we have a buffer,” she added.
The Philippines is currently exploring various supply sources beyond its traditional partners.
“We’re tapping other countries in Asia like Malaysia, Brunei, and India. Other global options include the US, Canada, Russia, or South American countries,” Garin said.
She added that while Russian oil might be cheaper, the logistics present a challenge—while Asian deliveries can take about a week, the lead time for Russian shipments is significantly longer.