Palace: Jeep fare hike calls ‘premature;’ possible aid considered

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

DAILY HUSTLE. A modern public utility jeepney traverses Recto Avenue in Manila on Nov. 25, 2025. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has reopened public consultations to address petitions for fare increases. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – Malacañang said Friday it is “premature” to impose another jeepney fare hike since there is a provisional PHP1 fare increase to address rising fuel prices and maintenance costs.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is studying the possible grant of subsidy or alternative assistance to jeepney operators and drivers, pending the decision on the jeepney fare hike petitions.

“Ayon sa kanilang computation, itong provisional grant na ito na fare hike na one peso ay naku-cover pa po ang fuel cost para sa jeepneys,” Castro said, citing the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) statement.

“Actually, kahit pa sabihin natin na premature, ayon po kay (Land Transportation Office chief) Atty. Vigor Mendoza, pinag-aaralan pa rin po ang maaaring maibigay na tulong sa mga jeepney operators and drivers (even if we say it’s premature, according to LTO chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza, we are still studying the possible assistance that can be provided to jeepney operators and drivers).”

For now, the LTFRB’s priority is to implement a possible fare increase in buses, as they do not have a temporary fare hike.

The LTFRB has begun holding public consultations to address petitions for fare increases, with proposals to raise the minimum fare from PHP13 to PHP15 for traditional jeepneys and from PHP15 to PHP17 for modern jeepneys.

The last time a fare hike was approved was in October 2023, for a PHP1 provisional increase.