Fare hike suspension, fuel subsidies lauded

DRIVERS IN DIRE STRAITS Members of the transport group Manibela start their two-day strike at their headquarters in Nagtahan, Manila, on Thursday, demanding the immediate removal of the excise and value-added tax on fuel, as well as other measures to cushion the price surge caused by the Middle East conflict. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

A group promoting the interest of commuters welcomed the suspension of the planned fare increase for jeepneys, buses, airport taxis and ride-booking services, as well as the release of fuel subsidies for drivers, saying both measures had helped ease the burden on the riding public.

The Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC-PasaHero) said such steps taken by the government provided immediate relief to millions who rely on public transport and are often the first to feel the impact of fuel price increases.

“By suspending the initially announced fare hike, the government helped address one of the most immediate concerns of commuters—rising fares amid already increasing living costs,” CFC-PasaHero lead convener Ira Panganiban said in a statement.

Such interventions helped stabilize commuting costs, especially for low- and middle-income earners, Panganiban said.

The CFC-PasaHero expressed openness to working with both the government and the transport sector to identify longer-term solutions that can balance the needs of drivers and commuters.