The Tagbilaran City Council has approved a five-peso provisional increase in tricycle fares, raising the minimum rate from 15 pesos to 20 pesos, as fuel prices continue to climb amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The measure was adopted during the city council’s regular session on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, presided over by Acting Vice Mayor Jose Floro Ringca, and took effect Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
Sponsored by City Councilor Leonides “Edi” Borja, chairman of the Committee on Public Utilities and Franchise, the resolution grants motorized tricycle-for-hire operators and drivers provisional authority to collect the higher fare.
The succeeding rate of 2 pesos per kilometer remains unchanged.
Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students will continue to receive a 20-percent discount, bringing their fare to 16 pesos, consistent with existing laws.
In a radio interview, Borja said the approved increase directly responds to the plea of drivers and operators burdened by the persistent rise in petroleum product prices.
Borja stressed that the increase applies only to the minimum fare and does not affect the per-kilometer rate or the mandated discounts for vulnerable passenger groups.
The veteran lawmaker also clarified that the fare hike is temporary, describing it as just and equitable given the economic hardship currently endured by tricycle operators and their families.
He added that the provisional increase may be rolled back should fuel prices decline, but noted that a formula for the downward adjustment of fares would still need to be drawn up.
The resolution cited that rising gasoline prices have rendered tricycle operations unprofitable, resulting in fewer units plying city streets and severe income losses for drivers and operators.