Government Confirms PUV Fare Hike, Announces Fuel Subsidies for Drivers
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, that a fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs) is in the works, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) set to finalize its study within the week. The announcement was made during a press conference in Malacañang, where Lopez emphasized the need for careful consideration to avoid exacerbating existing issues.
Fare Hike Details Under Scrutiny
Lopez revealed that the LTFRB is currently assessing how much the fare increase will be for different types of PUVs, including jeepneys, taxis, buses, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS). He noted that initial recommendations from transport groups were rejected by his office to ensure a thorough evaluation. "We have to treat this very carefully with an abundance of caution, instead of helping more people, we might add to the problem," Lopez stated, highlighting the government's cautious approach.
Fuel Subsidy Rollout for Drivers
In tandem with the fare hike plans, Lopez announced a PHP5,000 fuel subsidy for PUV drivers in Metro Manila, with distribution scheduled to begin next week. The subsidy will be rolled out in phases:
- Starting with tricycle drivers
- Followed by jeepney, taxi, TNVS, and bus drivers
Lopez explained that this initiative is part of a whole-of-government approach ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prevent the situation from worsening. "The President ordered us to not let the situation worsen and there should be a whole-of-government approach," he said, referencing a recent meeting with the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Collaborative Efforts and Nationwide Expansion
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTFRB will collaborate with several agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units, to distribute the subsidies and verify beneficiaries.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured that subsidies will also be provided to PUV drivers in provinces outside Metro Manila. "We're kicking off in Metro Manila, but this will be consecutive and it won't take long. One after the other, it will happen since the DSWD has offices nationwide and we will do simultaneous payouts," Gatchalian said, indicating a swift nationwide rollout.
Context and Broader Government Response
The fare hike and fuel subsidies are part of the government's response to rising global oil prices, driven by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Last week, President Marcos also ordered a shift to four-day workweeks and the implementation of other energy-saving mechanisms to reduce the country's energy demands, underscoring a comprehensive strategy to address economic pressures.
This development follows earlier reports, such as a photo from October 28, 2025, showing a jeepney driver refueling in Quezon City, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the transportation sector amid fluctuating fuel costs.
