PNP cracks down on illegal bus fare hikes

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April 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Police are keeping tabs on public utility vehicle (PUV) operators who are illegally increasing their fares to cope with the soaring prices of petroleum products amid the Middle East crisis.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. yesterday warned PUV operators not to take advantage of the volatile energy market as the PNP steps up efforts to assist the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Nartatez said police units are being mobilized to monitor terminals and transport hubs, strengthen the hotlines and respond quickly to complaints coursed through the PNP’s social media accounts.

“Our mandate extends to looking after the welfare of the riding public. We will ensure that rules and regulations are strictly followed as part of the PNP’s commitment to protect the commuters during these challenging times,” Nartatez said in a statement.

President Marcos had earlier suspended fare increases approved by the LTFRB despite the weekly spike in the prices of fuel.

Nartatez urged the public to report bus firms and other PUVs implementing unauthorized fare increases, which he said must not be tolerated.

“Let us work together to put an end to this illegal practice by ensuring that those who deliberately ignore and violate the provisions of the franchise conditions are held accountable,” he added.

DOTr waiting for SARO

Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief Giovanni Lopez said that they are still waiting for the Department of Budget and Management’s special allotment release order (SARO) to implement the service contracting program.

Lopez said that P1 billion was allotted for the nationwide service contracting program which could help ease the burden of PUV drivers amid the oil price hikes.

The DOTr is hoping to get the SARO by April 15.

Among the considerations to implement the program is through the net cost contracting where operators receive payments based on kilometers traveled but still collect fares from passengers.

The other option is through gross cost contracting where operators are paid a higher rate per kilometer by the government and passengers ride for free.

The agency is also considering implementing both and choosing which routes would fit the mentioned methods.

However, Lopez admitted that the P1 billion might not be enough and they are strategically looking into the possible routes to implement the program.

“One billion alone might only last us around five days if we want to cover all routes … the technicality of it, hopefully, we can finish it after Holy Week,” he said.

Bus discounts

The LTFRB approved the request of the Yanson Group of Bus Companies to implement a 10 percent fare discount across all its bus lines for passengers traveling between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Among the buses included, which mostly operate in the Visayas and Mindanao are Vallacar Transi, Bachelor Express, Rural Transit Mindanao, Mindanao Star Bus Transport, Love Transport Express Mindanao, Southern Bus Star, Sugbo Urban Transit, Love Visayas Transport Express, Golden Bus Transit and Ceres Transport.

Despite the high fuel prices, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said the Philippines is still open for tourism and business.

“Tourism remains an important source of livelihood for millions of Filipinos, supporting local businesses, workers and communities nationwide,” the agency said in a statement.

The DOT suggested travel options for tourists, such as walking or bike tours, farm visits and community-based tourism activities, staycations and wellness and nature escapes in nearby areas. — Josiah Antonio