Marcos suspends fare hikes for jeeps, buses, TNVS

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March 18, 2026 | 3:20pm

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of the looming fare hikes for jeeps, buses and other modes of transportation have been suspended. 

An across-the-board fare hike for most modes of transportation had been approved due to soaring oil prices caused by the Iran-Israel war. The fare increases were set to take effect on Thursday, March 19. 

In a video statement sent to reporters Wednesday, March 18, Marcos said he has asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend fare hikes for now, deferring it indefinitely. 

“I-postponan muna natin 'yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito, na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuter, sa lahat ng mga ating manggagawa, yung estudyante, lahat ng gumagamit ng ating transport system,” Marcos said. 

(Let us postpone it first because we are caught in a situation wherein continued support needs to be given to commuters, to all the workers, the students, everyone who uses our transport system.) 

Marcos said the government will expedite the distribution of fuel subsidies to support transport workers. 

To augment the effects of rising fuel prices, Marcos said he has also instructed the DOTr to implement free rides across the country. 

Fares for the MRT and LRT lines will also have a discount, Marcos added. Discounts for toll roads are also underway. 

While the fare increases for most land transportation haVE been suspended, airfares are expected to increase after the government allowed them to implement higher surcharge rates.