Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday said the proposed PHP1 fare increase for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) would undergo a comprehensive review to determine its impact on commuters and operators. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has tasked the entire economic team to study the proposal.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President’s directive emphasizes the importance of a detailed examination due to the potential widespread impact. “Ang direktiba po ng Pangulo, ito po ay aaralin dahil marami pong maaapektuhan dito. Hindi lang po ang (Department of Transportation) ang magde-decide dito kundi ang buong economic team para malaman kung kakayanin ng taumbayan ang dagdag pamasahe (The President’s directive is to study this carefully because many will be affected. This will be decided not only by the DOTr but the whole economic team to determine if the public can bear the additional fare),” Castro told reporters in a Palace briefing.

She further explained that public consultations and hearings would be conducted to ensure a balanced approach among stakeholders, which includes public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, operators, and commuters. “Magkakaroon po ng public consultations at hearing para mas maging balanse among the parties, kasama na ang PUV drivers and operators, pati na ang mga commuters (There will be public consultations and hearings so that there would be balance among the parties, including the PUV drivers and operators, as well as our commuters),” she said.

Transport groups have previously requested a PHP1 increase in the minimum fare for jeepneys, citing rising fuel and maintenance costs as key factors. The current minimum fare for traditional jeepneys is PHP13 for the first four kilometers.