Marcos Defers Fare Hikes Amid Rising Oil Prices; Gov't Offers Free Rides & Deploys 9K Cops for Transport Strike
President Marcos Jr. has ordered the deferment of public transport fare hikes to ease commuter burden amid rising oil costs and the Middle East conflict. In response to a planned transport strike, the government is providing free rides on selected Metro Manila routes and deploying over 9,900 police personnel to ensure public safety and manage traffic.
On March 18, 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of planned fare hikes for public utility vehicles (jeepneys, buses, and TNVS) that were scheduled to take effect on March 19, 2026. This decision came in response to rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the US, with fuel prices approaching P100 per liter. The President announced the suspension via video message, directing the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to halt increases approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) just one day earlier, citing the need to support commuters, workers, and students during the crisis.
The fare hike suspension was announced amid a planned nationwide transport strike organized by transport group PISTON and progressive alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) scheduled for March 19, 2026. The strike was called to protest rising fuel prices and demand the removal of fuel-related taxes, a P55 per liter price ceiling, and fare increases. In preparation for the strike, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) readied a free ride program ("libreng sakay") using agency buses and vehicles to assist commuters on Metro Manila routes.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) mobilized personnel and resources to maintain peace and order during the strike, with police units on alert nationwide, particularly in Metro Manila. While specific deployment figures of 9,900 personnel are not confirmed in available reports, the PNP emphasized monitoring affected areas, coordinating with organizers for orderly protests, securing strategic routes, and assisting stranded commuters. Multiple universities and colleges, including De La Salle University, Adamson University, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines, shifted to online classes on March 19 due to the transport strike.
Additional government measures included a P5,000 fuel subsidy for transport operators starting March 17, initially focusing on tricycle drivers in Metro Manila before expanding to jeepney, taxi, and public utility vehicle operators. The government also implemented a four-day workweek and work-from-home policies across various agencies to conserve fuel. Despite the fare hike suspension, jeepney drivers' unions expressed dismay over the reversal of granted relief, though no major protests were reported following the President's announcement.
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