MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking at additional subsidies and assistance for public transport operators and drivers as fuel prices continue to rise, while a possible fare increase remains under review.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Tuesday that the government is implementing measures aimed at easing the impact of higher fuel costs on drivers and operators without immediately passing the burden on to commuters.

Among the existing measures cited by Lopez are fuel discounts and toll assistance.

The fuel discount for traditional and modernized jeepneys and UV Express units was previously increased from PHP10 to PHP12 per liter. Lopez said the DOTr is studying whether the program can be extended and expanded to other modes of public transportation.

“Sa ating mga bus operators at drivers, una po, kami po, ako po ay personal na humihingi ng inyong pasensya, paumanhin at konsiderasyon,” Lopez said, adding that the government is pursuing initiatives to assist both the transport sector and commuters.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), meanwhile, continues to evaluate pending petitions for fare adjustments.

LTFRB acting Chairperson Greg Pua Jr. said the agency is expected to submit its recommendation to the DOTr by October. The agency said it would first assess the impact of a wage increase scheduled to take effect on September 25.

Lopez said the government is considering available subsidies and other interventions before resorting to an increase in public transport fares.

He also cited inflation as one of the factors that must be considered in deciding on fare adjustments.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that headline inflation stood at 6.1 percent in August 2026, slightly lower than 6.2 percent in July.

Lopez said an increase in transportation fares could also affect the prices of services and goods.

“So we're trying to say po, sasaluhin po ito ng gobyerno, pipigain natin hanggang sa kaya natin, mga subsidiya, mga iba't ibang inisyatibo,” he said.

He added that the DOTr hopes a fare increase would remain a last resort while government assistance programs are being implemented.

In evaluating the pending fare petitions, the LTFRB said it would consider commuters’ capacity to shoulder higher fares, available government assistance for transport workers, and the possible effect of an increase on inflation.

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