Philippines Suspends Fare Hikes Amid Oil Price Surge

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced the suspension of fare hike petitions for all public utility vehicles (PUVs) amid the ongoing surge in oil prices and inflation. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the burden should not be placed on the commuting public. "The President told us, especially now that oil prices are not stable. With these kinds of problems, the government should resolve the issue," Lopez stated. "We should not put the burden to the commuting public. And we know the problem right now with the temporary restraining order on wage hike." Lopez highlighted the country's struggle with inflation, noting, "That 6.2 percent inflation is high and the President and the economic leaders are still managing the inflation. If the fare increases, not only will inflation increase, the prices of services and goods will also increase." The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) stated that hearings on the fare hike petitions are scheduled to resume on Monday. The LTFRB indicated that experts and commuters would be consulted, a process that may take weeks to complete. To alleviate the immediate burden on PUV drivers, the fuel subsidy has been raised to P12 per liter. This represents a P2 increase from the original P10/L fuel subsidy in April, though it falls short of the LTFRB's proposed P20/L. In addition to the subsidy, the DOTr announced the extension of the terminal fee waiver for PUVs at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) until the end of the year. Provincial buses will also receive toll discounts or exemptions on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) starting August 10. Monthly terminal fees at 86 SM public transport terminals nationwide will be waived starting August 15.