MANILA — P1 fare hike Philippines issue continues to draw criticism from transport groups, with drivers saying the proposed increase—even if implemented—would not be enough to offset rising fuel costs and daily expenses.

In a recent interview, Valbuena questioned the effectiveness of the proposed fare adjustment, arguing that it would not provide meaningful relief to drivers who continue to struggle with increasing operational costs. “The additional fare does not significantly help drivers. In reality, it barely offsets the daily expenses we face,” he said.

The government earlier decided to suspend the implementation of the fare hike to protect commuters from additional financial burden. However, transport groups like Manibela expressed concern that the move leaves drivers in a difficult position, especially as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.

Valbuena emphasized that while the intention behind the fare hike may have been to support drivers, the actual impact would have been minimal. “What we need are long-term solutions, not temporary adjustments that do little to improve our situation,” he added during the interview.

Fuel prices have been on the rise in recent weeks, driven by global market conditions and supply concerns. For many PUV drivers, higher fuel costs directly reduce their daily earnings, making it harder to sustain their livelihood. Transport groups have repeatedly called for more substantial government assistance, including fuel subsidies and financial aid.

Despite the suspension of the fare increase, Valbuena maintained that both drivers and commuters are affected by the current situation. He noted that while commuters are spared from higher fares for now, drivers continue to absorb the rising costs of fuel and maintenance.

In the same interview, he expressed frustration over what he described as insufficient support measures. “It feels like the help being given is not enough to truly address the burden on drivers. We need policies that reflect the reality on the ground,” he said.

Government officials, for their part, have defended the decision to suspend the fare hike, citing the need to balance the interests of commuters and transport workers. Authorities have also pointed to ongoing assistance programs aimed at helping drivers cope with fuel price increases.

Economic analysts say the situation highlights the complex challenge of managing transportation costs in an environment of rising global oil prices. While fare adjustments can provide immediate relief to drivers, they also risk increasing the financial strain on commuters.

Transport groups continue to urge the government to implement more comprehensive measures, including targeted subsidies and long-term strategies to stabilize fuel costs. They argue that without sustainable support, drivers will remain vulnerable to market fluctuations.

As discussions continue, both the government and transport stakeholders face the task of finding a balanced solution that addresses the needs of drivers while protecting commuters from additional expenses.