Philippines suspends jeepney fuel discount during election period

MANILA — The Philippines' fuel discount program for public utility jeepneys will be temporarily suspended starting Friday, Sept. 18, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board announced, citing an election ban tied to upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

The P12-per-liter subsidy, which has provided relief to jeepney operators and passengers, will remain halted throughout the election period. The LTFRB issued the directive in an advisory addressing the suspension timeline and scope of the fuel assistance initiative.

The suspension aligns with election regulations that restrict certain government programs and incentives during poll periods. Officials have not yet specified when the fuel discount program will resume following the completion of barangay elections.

The measure affects one of the primary transportation subsidy schemes serving the Philippines' vast network of public utility jeepneys, which remain a critical component of public transportation infrastructure across the country. Jeepney operators have depended on the fuel discount to manage rising operational costs.