Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced that the government has implemented fuel subsidies, fare discounts, and fee reductions to mitigate the effects of the international oil price crisis on Filipino commuters, drivers, and the transport sector. During his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, Marcos emphasized the severe impact of the crisis on the transport sector, affecting drivers, operators, passengers, workers, and businesses due to rising petroleum prices.
According to Philippines News Agency, the President highlighted the assistance provided to drivers through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which includes cash relief and a PHP10-per-liter diesel subsidy for passenger jeepneys and UV Express units. More than 1.8 million drivers have benefited from the AICS assistance.
For passengers, the Libreng Sakay program has been instrumental. Several government agencies, along with the Department of Agriculture, have deployed vehicles to provide free rides and transport agricultural cargo to trading centers. Marcos also mentioned the revived Service Contracting Program for public buses and jeepneys, which offers additional income to operators and drivers per kilometer covered. Under this program, passengers benefit from a 20 percent fare discount, which combines with standard discounts for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities for a total of 40 percent for priority passengers.
The 'Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada Program' has also provided additional income to public transport drivers. Riders of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) in Metro Manila continue to enjoy a 50 percent fare discount, with special discounts on Sundays and major holidays.
The government has also reduced various fees at airports and seaports, including terminal fees, landing and take-off fees, harbor fees, anchorage and berthing fees, and storage fees. Marcos cited the waiver of terminal fees at Cebu Port and the reduction of passenger service charges at airports nationwide.
Terminal fees at the Para±aque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) were suspended for three months for passenger vehicles, with expressway toll fee discounts of up to nearly PHP200. For cargo transported via Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels, the terminal fee for agricultural products and food items was reduced from PHP500 to PHP1, and trucks accredited by the Department of Agriculture received free expressway passage.
Marcos concluded by expressing that these measures have provided direct assistance to millions of Filipinos during the period of high petroleum prices.
