Cebu Commuters Grapple with Unauthorized Fare Hikes Despite Presidential Directive
In Cebu, passengers have voiced frustration over unauthorized fare increases on public transportation, despite a nationwide suspension of transport fare hikes ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The directive, issued on March 18, 2026, aimed to shield the public from escalating living costs by halting planned and recent fare adjustments. This included stopping a scheduled hike for jeepneys and city buses set for March 19 and rolling back a provisional increase for provincial buses implemented on March 14. The suspension applies to all land transport modes, such as city and provincial buses, traditional and modern jeepneys, taxis, and transport network vehicle services.
Confusion and Financial Strain for Daily Travelers
Despite the order, some commuters have encountered unapproved spikes in fares, leading to confusion and financial strain. Lhor Vick, a student at Cebu Technological University, shared her experience with SunStar Cebu on March 25, 2026. "I was really surprised," she said. "My fare to Toledo used to be P60, and now it's P80. That's a P20 increase. Even jeepney fares went up by a peso. I'm not sure why, but they said it's because of rising operating costs." Vick noted that fare changes are inconsistent across vehicles, complicating daily budgeting for passengers.
Pilar Goopio, a resident of Barili, faced similar issues when traveling to Cebu City. "Last week, the regular Ceres bus fare from Barili to Cebu was P117. But today, it's P170. I was so confused. Why are fares changing when the government had already canceled the fare increase?" she told SunStar Cebu. Goopio added that operators often fail to display official tariffs, leaving passengers uncertain about proper rates.
Regulatory Response and Enforcement Plans
In response to mounting complaints, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Abosamen Matuan addressed reporters on March 25, stating that the agency has not issued any fare matrix or approved increases. Matuan emphasized that the President's suspension overruled previous proposals, and any unauthorized hikes violate the terms of operators' certificates of public convenience, subjecting violators to hefty penalties and fines.
Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 Director Wendel Dinglasan clarified that while his office can assist with enforcement, fare-related apprehensions fall strictly under LTFRB 7's jurisdiction. The LTFRB Central Office has confirmed that all fares must revert to pre-March 14 levels and urges commuters to report any operators charging higher rates directly to the agency.
Government Support Measures for Transport Sector
To aid the struggling transport sector, the administration has announced plans to fast-track fuel subsidies and expand the Libreng Sakay program. These initiatives aim to alleviate operational pressures without burdening commuters with additional costs. As authorities ramp up enforcement, commuters in Cebu and nationwide await clearer compliance to ensure fair and consistent transportation pricing.
