Palace: Fare hike meant to balance transport sector, commuters’ welfare

September 28, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The government’s decision to approve a fare hike covering public utility vehicles is aimed at balancing the welfare of transport workers coping with high fuel prices and commuters, Malacañang said on Monday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports the fare increase that was given the go-signal by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

“Maraming nabibigatan sa pagtaas ng pasahe pero kailangang din balansihin para sa kapakanan ng mga nasa transport sector at para sa ating commuters,” she said.

She explained that the approved fare hike was lower than what transport groupds asked for.

Minimum fares for traditional jeepneys went up by P 1, from P13 to P P14 for the first four kilometers. Fares for modern jeepneys are now at P 17 from the previous P 15.

Castro went on: “Hindi nga lang sa presyong gusto nila kundi sa presyo or amount na makatao para hindi naman din mabigatan ng iba nating mga kababayan.”

Castro added that the government’s fuel subsidy program for the PUV sector is still in effect amid the fare increase.

“Sa ngayon po wala pong pinapahinto … pati iyong fuel subsidy ay hindi naman po hinihinto,” she said, adding that this is apart from additional aid under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport initiative.