Transport groups based in Cebu have voiced mixed reactions to the recently approved nationwide Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) fare increase, with many describing the adjustment as insufficient to counterbalance escalating fuel and operational expenses fueled by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Mixed Reactions from Cebu Transport Leaders
Greg Perez, president of Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston)-Cebu, strongly criticized the P1 rise in the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys, labeling it as "insufficient" in light of persistently climbing global fuel prices. In a phone interview with SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Perez argued that the adjustment fails to accurately reflect the severe financial strain experienced by drivers and operators.
"The amount of the fare increase is an insult for drivers and operators," Perez stated, emphasizing that costs for fuel, vehicle maintenance, and daily necessities continue to surge unabated.
Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives Weighs In
While the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives (FCTC) welcomed the P2 hike for modern jeepneys, FCTC president Ellen Maghanoy highlighted its inadequacy in covering mounting operational expenses. Maghanoy pointed out that diesel prices have now reached P90 per liter, with projections suggesting they could hit P100 per liter in the coming weeks.
She detailed that fuel expenses currently consume 60 to 70 percent of total operating costs, a significant increase from the previous 40 percent. Operators are additionally burdened by monthly amortizations and the rising cost of spare parts, pushing many to the brink of financial viability.
"If we compute it monthly, operations are either at break-even or already at a net loss," Maghanoy explained, acknowledging the impact on passengers but stressing that transport groups are struggling to survive.
Details of the Fare Adjustment
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the fare adjustment following approval from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The new rates stipulate that the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys will increase from P13 to P14, while modern jeepneys will now charge a minimum fare of P17, up from P15.
Additionally, the LTFRB approved a 10-centavo increase in the rate for succeeding kilometers for modern jeepneys, moving from P2.20 to P2.30. Traditional jeepneys will see a 20-centavo increase, from P1.80 to P2 per succeeding kilometer.
LTFRB Rationale and Implementation
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II clarified that the adjustments were based on comprehensive cost analyses and consultations, citing fuel prices, maintenance expenses, and geopolitical tensions as key factors. The agency confirmed that the fare increase will take effect once operators secure updated fare matrices and display them inside their vehicles.
Broader Implications and Protest Actions
The ongoing tensions in the Middle East threaten to further elevate global oil prices, exacerbating the financial pressure on PUV operators nationwide. In response to the rising fuel costs, the national leadership of Piston has announced a nationwide transport strike scheduled for March 19 to 20.
Perez confirmed that Piston-Cebu will actively participate in these protest actions, underscoring the growing discontent among transport workers over what they perceive as inadequate governmental support in the face of economic challenges.
