LTFRB 7 Holds Fares Steady Amid Oil Volatility, Warns Against Overcharging
As global oil prices continue to exhibit significant volatility, public transportation regulators in the Philippines are intensifying efforts to ensure daily travel remains affordable for millions of commuters. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 has issued a firm and unambiguous directive: public utility vehicle (PUV) fares must remain unchanged, and any driver or operator imposing additional charges is unequivocally violating the law.
Protecting Commuters from Unauthorized Fare Adjustments
LTFRB 7 Director Abosamen Matuan, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, explicitly reminded all transport operators across Central Visayas that they lack the authority to unilaterally alter fare structures. Any modification to the official fare matrix—the legally established pricing framework for rides—must originate directly from the LTFRB Central Office in Manila. This stringent regulation is rooted in the critical role transportation plays as a fundamental cost factor, influencing everything from workers' disposable income to the market prices of essential goods. By maintaining tight control over these prices, the government aims to curb inflationary pressures that could destabilize the regional economy.
Director Matuan strongly encouraged commuters to actively report instances of overcharging. If passengers encounter drivers demanding more than the official rate, they are urged to file formal complaints with their local LTFRB office for immediate investigation and action. This citizen participation is deemed vital for upholding fare integrity and protecting public interests.
Severe Penalties for Overcharging Violations
The government treats unauthorized fare hikes with utmost seriousness, implementing a structured system of escalating penalties to deter non-compliance. Transport operators who deliberately ignore official regulations face a progressive series of financial and legal consequences designed to enforce accountability. These measures include substantial fines, potential suspension of operating permits, and in severe cases, revocation of franchises. By rigorously enforcing these penalties, authorities aim to ensure that transport providers adhere to established rules while sustaining reliable service for the public.
Comprehensive Support for Drivers Through Subsidies
Recognizing the acute challenges posed by rising fuel prices to drivers' livelihoods, the government is prioritizing a subsidy-first strategy to alleviate financial strain without burdening passengers. A substantial P2.5 billion fund has been allocated to deliver direct cash assistance to qualified PUV operators and drivers nationwide. In Central Visayas alone, this targeted support identifies 30,744 beneficiaries, providing crucial financial relief to cover escalating fuel costs. This initiative is strategically designed to enable drivers to sustain their operations without transferring additional expenses to commuters.
While the LTFRB is currently evaluating pending petitions for fare increases, officials have consistently emphasized that adjusting fares represents a last resort. The primary objective is to leverage subsidies and enhance operational efficiency programs to preserve stable travel costs for as long as feasibly possible.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Evaluations
The situation remains dynamic and subject to continuous assessment. Transport officials are actively re-crunching the numbers on pending fare hike requests to ensure any potential adjustment is both equitable and necessary. However, until further official notice from the LTFRB Central Office, all current fare rates remain firmly in effect. Present efforts are concentrated on expediting the distribution of promised fuel subsidies to drivers, serving as a critical buffer against global oil market instability. These subsidies are intended to stabilize the transportation sector and support the vast population of Filipinos who depend on it for daily mobility and economic activity.
