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Philippine Government Considers Cash Aid for Public Transport Drivers, Fare Hike Amid Soaring Oil Prices
Soaring Oil Prices and Pressure for Public Transport Fare Hikes
The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) is re-evaluating public transport fare hike proposals due to the surge in international oil prices. Secretary Giovanni Lopez instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to recalculate fare adjustment recommendations. Transport groups, including the Mega Manila Consortium, are demanding a 2-peso or 20-peso increase for sedans/six-seater vehicles, arguing that drivers need more income as gasoline prices have risen by more than 10 pesos per liter.
Secretary Lopez emphasized that fare hikes must be approached cautiously as they could lead to an increase in the prices of goods and services. He stated that the department would meticulously review the situation not just to alleviate the burden on drivers but also to avoid exacerbating the overall economic situation.
Government's Emergency Cash Aid and Other Measures
The government has prepared several support measures to ease the burden on the public transport sector. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will utilize half of its 60 billion peso budget for individuals in crisis to provide cash assistance to public transport drivers. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that 5,000 pesos would be distributed to registered tricycle drivers starting next week, with plans to extend this to jeepney, taxi, and bus drivers. Secretary Lopez stressed that drivers could use this money for essential needs such as fuel subsidies, medicine, or food purchases.
Furthermore, local governments have been instructed to use the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to freely distribute rice to residents. The LGSF has been allocated 57.87 billion pesos in the 2026 national budget, of which 37.49 billion pesos can be used for financial assistance to local governments.
Discussions on Toll Fee Discounts and Airfare Reductions
The Department of Transportation is discussing discounts for trucks transporting food and agricultural products with toll road operators to reduce logistics costs. They are also reviewing ways with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to cut costs passed on to consumers, such as through reduced fees for landing and takeoff. Secretary Lopez added that they are examining fee items that can be adjusted with CAAP. Meanwhile, the Philippine House of Representatives approved a bill on its second reading that would grant President Donald Trump emergency powers to suspend or reduce fuel taxes.
*Source: YouTube: ABS-CBN News (2026-03-12)*
