MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, March 18, suspended the fare hike just a day before its scheduled implementation.

“Sa aking palagay dahil nga may problema pa rin tayo dahil sa giyera sa Middle East ay sabi ko siguro hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said in a video message.

(In my view, since we are still facing problems because of the war in the Middle East, I said this may not be the right time to raise fares for our fellow citizens.)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had announced on Tuesday, March 17, higher fares for nearly all modes of public transportation, set to take effect on Thursday, March 19.

Prior to this, the LTFRB had already approved fare increases for provincial buses, which took effect on Saturday, March 14.

Marcos sought to reassure public transport workers, saying the government would provide additional support. The government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has begun distributing P5,000 in cash aid to affected public utility vehicle drivers.

Marcos added that he has directed the Department of Transportation to roll out free public transportation services nationwide. Discounts on fares for the MRT and LRT, as well as on toll roads, are also being planned, although details have not yet been disclosed.

This week, the Senate and House of Representatives approved a bill authorizing Marcos to reduce or suspend the excise tax on fuel products, amid rising oil prices driven by the US and Israel’s war on Iran.

Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin earlier said diesel prices may range from P95 to P114 beginning Tuesday, March 17. Garin said this is the highest jump in oil prices in the country’s history, and pump prices are at a new historical high. – with reports from Tatiana Maligro/Rappler.com