'We just asked for a peso': Transport groups slam fare hike suspensionSome public utility jeepneys pick up passengers and ply their route along Kamias Road in Quezon City to earn extra income before joining the nationwide transport strike by transport group PISTON on March 18, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Transport groups slammed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to suspend the approved fare hike for various land vehicles, saying they had only asked for a P1 increase—a request made even more urgent by the ongoing fuel crisis. After fuel prices soared due to tensions in the Middle East, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved a fare hike for jeepneys, buses and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS). A day before the implementation, however, Marcos suspended the fare hike, citing commuter welfare. With fuel so expensive, drivers could be charging as high as P20 for the base fare, Valbuena said.

Source: Philippine Star March 19, 2026 17:19 UTC