PNP cracks down on illegal fare hikes amid fuel price surge

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified operations against unauthorized fare increases, deploying personnel to assist transport regulators in monitoring public utility vehicles as fuel prices continue to rise.

In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned transport operators against taking advantage of commuters, saying the police will expand its role beyond traditional crime prevention to protect the riding public.

"Ang mandato namin ay umaabot sa pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng mga mananakay. Sisiguraduhin naming mahigpit na sinusunod ang mga patakaran bilang bahagi ng pangako ng PNP na protektahan ang mga commuter sa panahong ito ng pagsubok," he said.

(Our mandate extends to safeguarding the welfare of the riding public. We will ensure that rules and regulations are strictly followed as part of the PNP’s commitment to protect commuters during these challenging times.)

Naratez said the PNP is coordinating closely with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to monitor bus companies and other public utility vehicle operators suspected of implementing fare hikes without approval.

Authorities urged the public to report violations, warning that unchecked incidents could embolden more operators to disregard fare regulations.

"Hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng ating kababayan na i-report ang anumang insidente ng ilegal na pagtaas ng pamasahe. Hindi ito dapat palampasin dahil maaaring tularan ito ng iba," Nartatez said.

(We urge all our kababayan to report any incident of unauthorized fare increases. This must not be tolerated, otherwise it will encourage others to do the same.)

"Magtulungan tayo upang wakasan ang ilegal na gawaing ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtiyak na mananagot ang mga sadyang lumalabag sa mga kondisyon ng prangkisa," he added.

(Let us work together to put an end to this illegal practice by ensuring that those who deliberately ignore and violate franchise conditions are held accountable.)

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier warned that operators found violating fare rules may face show-cause orders and possible suspension of their franchises, reinforcing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to defer fare hikes.

To enforce compliance on the ground, the PNP said it is mobilizing units to monitor terminals and transport hubs, while strengthening complaint channels, including hotlines and reports through official social media platforms.

The crackdown comes as the government rolls out measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs, including subsidies for drivers and transport workers.

The police also signaled intensified joint inspections and random checks in coordination with transport agencies in the coming days.

"Makikipag-ugnayan ang PNP sa mga ahensya ng transportasyon, partikular sa DOTr, ukol sa isyung ito. Hindi lamang seguridad, presyo ng petrolyo, at mga bilihin ang aming babantayan, kundi pati na rin ang ilegal na pagtaas ng pamasahe," he said.

(The PNP will coordinate with transport agencies, particularly the DOTr, on this matter. We will not only monitor security, fuel prices, and the cost of goods, but also the illegal increase in fares.)—MCG, GMA News