Filipino commuters and motorists are reeling from a double blow to their travel expenses just days before the traditional Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) exodus. A simultaneous spike in fuel prices and expressway toll rates took effect on October 28, 2025, significantly driving up the cost of traveling to provinces and memorial parks.
The twin hikes, caused by global oil market volatility and government-approved toll adjustments, have placed an unexpected financial strain on millions of Filipinos preparing for the long holiday weekend.
Fuel prices rose sharply this week, with diesel up by ₱2.00 per liter and gasoline higher by ₱1.20 per liter. The increase, effective early Monday, immediately hit the transport sector — particularly jeepney and bus operators, whose incomes are directly affected by daily fuel costs.
Experts link the surge to fresh U.S. sanctions on Russian companies, which have tightened global oil supply. The price jump is expected to push up public utility vehicle (PUV) fares and basic commodity prices, potentially fueling broader inflation just as Filipino families spend for Undas preparations.
Adding to commuters’ woes, the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) implemented its new toll matrix on the same day. The hike, covering petitions filed in 2020 and 2023, aims to support ongoing expressway upgrades and maintenance.
For Class 1 vehicles, the toll for the R1 Portion (Seaside to Zapote) increased from ₱35 to ₱39, while the R1 Extension Segment 4 (Zapote to Kawit) jumped from ₱73 to ₱88 in the first tranche of adjustments.
To soften the impact, CAVITEX reactivated its “Abante Program,” offering a 90-day toll reprieve for registered PUVs and agricultural trucks.
Government agencies have reiterated their commitment to existing relief efforts, including the distribution of fuel subsidies to qualified PUV drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) defended the toll increase as necessary for infrastructure sustainability.
However, transport groups blasted the timing of the hikes, calling them “insensitive” and “anti-poor.” They warned that the combined increases will inevitably be passed on to commuters — effectively imposing a “travel tax” on the Filipino tradition of visiting cemeteries during Undas.
The dual price surges coincide with a massive travel rush, with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) expecting around 1.35 million passengers from October 27 to November 5, while port authorities project over 2.1 million travelers nationwide.
This convergence of soaring costs and peak travel demand means millions of Filipinos honoring their departed loved ones this All Saints’ Day will have to stretch their budgets thinner than ever, casting a cloud of economic strain over what is usually a solemn and family-centered holiday.–Cali Demi
