Manila, March 18 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the scheduled implementation of the approved fare increases for public utility vehicles (PUVs) on Thursday.

In a video message on Wednesday, Marcos said raising the minimum fare for public transport is inappropriate, given the burden that it may place on Filipinos who are already feeling the effects of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Marcos emphasized the need to continue providing support to affected Filipinos, including the commuters.

"Sa aking palagay, dahil nga may problema pa rin tayo dahil sa gyera sa Middle East ay sabi ko siguro hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan (I...