President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially suspended planned transport fare increases to protect the public from rising expenses. While deferring these costs for commuters, the President also pledged intensified government assistance for the transport sector.
In a public address, the President confirmed he has instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to put the fare hikes on hold. He stressed that the current economic climate is not the appropriate time to add financial pressure on workers, students, and regular passengers.
To support transport operators and drivers facing volatile fuel prices, President Marcos announced an expansion of government subsidies. These measures include a nationwide rollout of the “Libre Sakay” (free ride) program, fare discounts for the MRT and LRT, and lower toll fees.
“Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan,” President Marcos said in the video message.
“I-postpone na muna natin ‘yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuters, sa lahat ng mga ating manggagawa, mga estudyante, lahat ng gumagamit ng ating transport system,” the President added.
The Chief Executive reassured transport workers that the administration is fast-tracking state support to help them manage oil price fluctuations.
“Huwag pong mag-alala ang ating mga transport workers dahil mamadaliin po namin, dadagdagan po namin ang suporta sa inyo para naman ay hindi kayo masyadong mahirapan,” President Marcos added.
Furthering his directive to the DOTr, the President emphasized that the nationwide free ride scheme should serve as immediate relief for daily household spending.
“Ang DOTR ay inutusan ko na simulan na ang libreng sakay sa buong Pilipinas at puwede po ninyong gamitin na muna ‘yan para pangbawas sa gastos sa pang-araw-araw,” he said.
Beyond free rides and rail discounts, the President noted that motorists would also see reduced costs at toll roads. He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to stabilizing the daily lives of Filipinos despite global uncertainties.
“Kahit na na may malaking gulo na nangyayari ay basta’t kaunti lang ang mararamdaman o sana man – kung kaya naming gawin – sana walang mararamdaman ng ating taong-bayan sa kanilang araw-araw na pagtrabaho, sa ating mga estudyante na araw-araw pumapasok,” said President Marcos.
“Alalahanin po ninyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay laging nandito. Lagi kaming nag-iisip ng panibagong paraan upang matiyak na ang inyong pamumuhay ay normal, maayos, at ligtas.”| (PCO)
