Following a direct order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to mitigate the impact of soaring fuel prices, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that public utility vehicles (PUVs) and freight services will receive a significant reprieve from toll rates starting March 23, 2026.
Major tollway concessionaires have voluntarily committed to a temporary discount program aimed at stabilizing the cost of transportation and essential goods amid the ongoing Middle East energy crisis.
The program, coordinated through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), targets the most essential sectors of the transport industry. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the move is designed to prevent a domino effect of price hikes in fares and commodities. “We thank San Miguel Corp. and Mr. Ramon Ang, as well as Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and Mr. Manny Pangilinan. This is a massive help to our PUV drivers, commuters, and even our consumers and entrepreneurs during this oil crisis,” Secretary Lopez stated.
The discounts will be applied to three specific vehicle classes. Based on end-to-end trips, qualified operators can expect the following estimated savings:
| Vehicle Class | Description | Estimated Savings (Per Trip) |
| Class 1 | PUVs / Jeepneys | Up to ₱18.00 |
| Class 2 | Public Utility Buses (PUBs) | Up to ₱47.00 |
| Class 3 | Freight and Logistics Vehicles | Up to ₱72.00 |
To ensure a smooth transition, the relief will be distributed via a weekly rebate system. Qualified vehicles with active accounts will have the discounted amounts credited back to their records every week.
The initiative is set for an initial duration of two months, with a provision for an extension depending on a formal review of the global fuel situation.
