MARCH 20, 2026 — Starting March 23, toll discounts will finally kick in for jeepneys, buses, and freight trucks — an attempt to ease the sting of rising fuel costs that have been squeezing drivers, commuters, and businesses alike. The two-month program, backed by major tollway operators, could mean weekly rebates of up to ₱72 per trip for freight vehicles. 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that Class 1 jeepneys may save up to ₱18 per trip, Class 2 buses up to ₱47, and Class 3 freight trucks up to ₱72. These rebates will be credited weekly, offering some breathing room for sectors battered by oil price hikes. 

The program runs for two months, with possible extension depending on its impact. 

This move comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered transport officials to cushion the blow of soaring fuel prices, worsened by tensions in the Middle East. Tollway operators San Miguel Corporation (Ramon Ang) and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (Manny Pangilinan) agreed to voluntarily implement the discounts.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez captured the sentiment, saying, “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa San Miguel Corp., kay Mr. Ramon Ang, at sa Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., kay Mr. Manny Pangilinan dahil malaking tulong ito sa ating mga PUV drivers, commuters, pati na rin sa ating mga mamimili at mga negosyante sa kabila ng kinakaharap nating krisis ngayon sa langis.”

(We thank San Miguel Corp., Mr. Ramon Ang, and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Mr. Manny Pangilinan because this is a big help to our PUV drivers, commuters, as well as our consumers and entrepreneurs amid the oil crisis we are facing.)

Truth be told, ₱18 off a jeepney trip won’t magically solve the daily grind of rising fuel, food, and fare prices. But it’s a symbolic gesture that shows government and private concessionaires can move quickly when pressure mounts. 

For freight operators, the ₱72 rebate per trip could ripple into lower logistics costs, potentially softening price hikes for goods.

Still, is this relief enough, or again just a temporary band-aid solution while commuters and drivers continue to bleed from inflation? We know too well that short-term fixes rarely translate into lasting solutions.

(Image: Philippine News Agency)