MANILA – Bus and ferry operators have pledged not to impose fare increases during the upcoming Holy Week travel rush, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Tuesday, as the government works to soften the effects of higher fuel prices on commuters.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Marcos said transport operators have committed to maintaining current fare levels and continuing regular operations despite the anticipated surge in passengers.
“We’ve secured assurances from ferry companies that fares will not go up, and we’re coordinating with bus operators as well to ensure prices remain stable and that trips will not be reduced,” he said.
Holy Week is considered one of the busiest travel periods in the Philippines, with thousands of passengers leaving Metro Manila to observe the religious holiday in their home provinces.
The President said the government is focused on minimizing the financial strain on the riding public, particularly workers and middle-income earners.
“Our goal is to make sure that rising transport costs do not become a burden on the daily lives of Filipinos,” Marcos said.
To help offset fuel price adjustments, the government is preparing to release subsidies for the transportation sector.
According to Marcos, approximately PHP2.5 billion will be disbursed in the next few days, with additional subsidy rounds already scheduled.
The program will cover drivers and operators in shipping, bus services, public transportation, and logistics delivery systems.
Marcos also signed Executive Order No. 110 on Tuesday, placing the country under a state of national energy emergency due to concerns over global oil supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
ia/xf
