In a major move to alleviate the rising cost of living, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to implement a nationwide 20-percent fare discount for all commuters, effective April 15, 2026.
The directive, announced by Malacañang on Friday, is a key component of the government’s Service Contracting Program under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to millions of Filipinos while stabilizing the public transport sector amidst global economic shifts.
Key Highlights of the Relief Package:
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Nationwide Fare Cut: A 20% discount on standard fares for all commuters.
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Stackable Discounts: LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza clarified that this discount is in addition to existing mandatory discounts for Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and students.
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Fuel Subsidy: To support transport providers, the government will provide a $P10$ per liter fuel subsidy to Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) to cushion the impact of volatile oil prices.
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Massive Reach: The program covers approximately 50,000 PUVs and 1,000 operators, benefiting an estimated 15 million commuters daily. “The President’s goal is simple: Tuloy ang biyahe, tuloy ang hanapbuhay (Keep the trips going, keep the livelihood going),” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro. “This 20-percent discount is designed to directly reduce the daily expenses of our workforce and students.”
To ensure transparency and prevent overcharging, the LTFRB will release a new official fare matrix. Chairman Mendoza emphasized that all PUV operators are required to display this matrix prominently within their vehicles.
“We want our passengers to know exactly what they should be paying. The new rates, including the additional layers of discounts for protected groups, will be clearly outlined,” Mendoza stated during the Palace briefing.
The administration remains committed to balancing the needs of the riding public with the continued viability of transport operators, ensuring that the country’s transport network remains robust despite international market fluctuations.
