MANILA, Philippines — Expressway operators have been ordered to reimburse jeepneys, buses, e-jeeps, and trucks after the government suspended a recent toll hike due to surging fuel prices, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) announced on Monday, March 30, 2026.

TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz confirmed that affected public utility vehicles and trucks that were charged higher toll fees earlier this year will receive reimbursements directly through their accounts. “Sa parating na Huwebes ay ibabalik na yung discount sa mga sectors na ito,” Corpuz told state television PTV, assuring drivers and operators that relief will be implemented immediately.

The suspension of toll increases was prompted by the sharp rise in fuel costs linked to the Middle East crisis, which disrupted global oil shipments and drove up prices of transport and commodities nationwide. The government said the move was necessary to cushion the transport sector, which has been struggling with higher operating expenses.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), which operates major expressways including NLEX and SCTEX, has already rolled out the NLEX KaBiyahe toll rebate program. Running from March 23 to May 22, 2026, the initiative provides immediate financial relief to jeepneys, buses, and trucks that play a critical role in moving people and goods across Luzon.

Other tollway operators have also extended discounts to public utility vehicles, covering expressways such as the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. This expanded coverage ensures that more drivers benefit from the government-backed effort to ease the burden of rising fuel costs.

Transport groups welcomed the reimbursement directive, saying it would help operators maintain services without passing additional costs onto commuters. However, they also urged the government to consider long-term solutions, such as fuel subsidies and fare adjustments, to address the continuing impact of global oil price volatility.

The TRB emphasized that the reimbursement program is part of broader relief measures and will be closely monitored to ensure compliance by expressway operators. Officials added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the transport sector and commuters during economic shocks.

With reimbursements set to begin this week, jeepney drivers, bus operators, and truckers are expected to see immediate financial relief, providing some stability as fuel prices remain unpredictable. The suspension of toll hikes and the rebate programs highlight the government’s balancing act between infrastructure revenue needs and the welfare of the transport sector.