Government says fare hike remains last resort as fuel costs surge and strike looms

Malacañang announced that a fare hike for public utility vehicles, provincial and city buses will not be implemented at this time, even as fuel prices continue to climb. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is pursuing other relief tools, including fuel discounts and toll-free access for buses, to avoid passing costs onto commuters. They stressed that a fare increase should be a last resort.

Meanwhile, the administration confirmed it cannot prevent the transport group Piston from staging a two-day nationwide strike on Sept. 29-30, timed with a projected fuel price increase. The Department of Energy is expected to submit a recommendation to President Marcos on whether to suspend or cut the fuel excise tax. The discussion follows Dubai crude oil breaching the $80-per-barrel level.