The scheduled implementation of fare adjustments for jeepneys, buses, and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) has been suspended.
The suspension was ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.on Wednesday, March 19, to ease the financial burden on commuters.
“Sa aking palagay, dahil nga may problema pa rin tayo dahil sa giyera sa Middle East ay sabi ko siguro hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr (Department of Transportation) na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin yan. I-postpone na muna natin iyan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuter,” Marcos added.
The fare hike, approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), was set to be implemented on Thursday, March 19.
Marcos assured PUV drivers and operators that government interventions are already in place to help them cope with rising fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
“Huwag pong mag-alala ang ating mga transport workers dahil mamadaliin po namin, dadagdagan po namin ang suporta sa inyo para naman hindi kayo masyadong mahirapan,” the President said.IMT
