Cebu Representative Distributes Fuel Aid as Marcos Suspends Fare Hike Amid Economic Pressure
In a direct response to the relentless surge in fuel prices, Cebu Fifth District Representative Duke Frasco has initiated a personal relief effort, distributing P500 worth of gasoline vouchers to drivers in Poro, Camotes. This P50,000 initiative, funded from his own pocket, targets habal-habal, tricycle, and multicab drivers to support their livelihoods during these challenging economic times. The move underscores the growing strain on transport workers as crude oil costs continue to climb.
President Marcos Orders Suspension of Fare Increase
Simultaneously, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to postpone the planned implementation of a public transport fare hike. This decision aims to shield commuters from the added burden of rising commodity prices. "This is not the time to increase fares for our fellow citizens," Marcos announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, emphasizing the need to prioritize public support amidst ongoing economic pressures.
Previously, the DOTr had approved a provisional fare increase for jeepneys, based on a recommendation from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Under this adjustment, traditional jeepneys would see a P1 rise, bringing the fare to P14 for the first four kilometers, while modern jeepneys would incur a P2 increase, charging up to P17. Marcos clarified, "I have ordered the DOTr... to postpone that for now because we are in the middle of this situation where we need to continue our support for commuters, our workers, students, and all users of our transport system."
Government Pledges Assistance Amid Transport Backlash
The president assured public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators that government assistance is forthcoming. "Do not worry, our transport workers, because we will expedite and increase support for you so you won't struggle too much," Marcos stated. However, this sudden reversal has sparked criticism from transport groups. Greg Perez, president of Piston-Cebu, expressed frustration, noting that even a small fare increase could have offset some of the fuel costs. He also criticized subsidy programs as inefficient, claiming they fail to reach the intended beneficiaries and favor larger cooperatives.
In protest, Perez announced that his group will join a nationwide transport strike scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026. Adding to the discontent, Ellen Maghanoy, president of the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives, voiced disappointment in an interview with SunStar Cebu. "They are dismayed because it seems like they are just playing games. What was the point of approving a fare increase if they didn't understand it? They didn't discuss it properly. It's like they have no clear direction or plan for this crisis," she remarked.
This unfolding scenario highlights the tension between immediate economic relief measures and long-term policy stability in the transport sector, as both government actions and grassroots initiatives attempt to navigate the ongoing fuel and cost-of-living crisis.
