Ferry, bus firms won't raise fares this Holy Week—PBBM
President Marcos said ferry and bus operators have committed not to increase fares this Holy Week despite rising fuel prices.
In an interview with Bloomberg aired on Tuesday, March 24, the President said the commitment is part of the government’s efforts to ease the burden on commuters and the middle class amid ongoing energy challenges.
“We’ve gotten commitments from ferries that they will not raise their fares… we’re doing the same thing with buses that they will not raise their fares, and they do not limit or cut down the trips they will be taking,” he said.
Marcos said the government is prioritizing the welfare of commuters and working Filipinos as travel demand is expected to surge during Holy Week.
“We’re doing everything we can so the riding public, the general public, the people who are working, the middle class… so it does not become a drag to their livelihoods,” he said.
Subsidies for transport sector
According to the Chief Executive, the government is rolling out fuel and cash subsidies to help transport operators cope with rising oil prices.
He noted that assistance is being directed primarily to the transport sector, which is among the most affected by fuel cost increases.
“These are the workers who will be most affected,” he said.
Marcos said around P2.5 billion will be released in fuel subsidies in the coming days.
“We have planned four of those rounds of subsidies,” he added.
The assistance will cover operators and drivers of ships, buses, public transport, and delivery services.
The measures come as the government seeks to cushion the impact of global fuel price volatility driven by tensions in the Middle East.
Marcos earlier declared a state of national energy emergency to ensure a stable supply and mitigate the effects of the crisis on the economy.
The Palace said the government will continue implementing interventions to protect consumers while maintaining the operations of key transport services during peak travel periods.