President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate release of a ₱5,000 fuel subsidy for public transport drivers affected by the recent increase in fuel prices caused by tensions in the Middle East.
The announcement was confirmed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who met with Metro Manila mayors to ensure the fast distribution of the assistance. The subsidy is expected to be released next week.
Assistance for Tricycle and Jeepney Drivers
According to Recto, local government units (LGUs) play an important role in ensuring that the fuel subsidy reaches eligible drivers quickly.
He emphasized that mayors are in the best position to identify the actual number of tricycle and jeepney drivers in their areas, which will help speed up the distribution of the assistance.
The government is coordinating closely with local officials to make sure the subsidy is delivered efficiently.
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Rollout to Start in Metro Manila
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the rollout of the fuel subsidy program will start in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will jointly implement the distribution of the financial assistance.
The initial priority beneficiaries will include:
- Tricycle drivers under local government jurisdiction
- Jeepney operators and drivers
Other Transport Drivers to Receive Assistance
The government also confirmed that the subsidy program will be extended to other members of the public transport sector, including:
- TNVS drivers
- UV Express drivers
- Bus drivers
Authorities said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the DOTr already have a master list of eligible drivers who will receive the fuel subsidy.
The assistance will be triggered once the Department of Energy (DOE) issues the official certification regarding the fuel price increase.
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Distribution in Other Regions
According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the program will first be launched in Metro Manila, followed by other regions nationwide.
Local government units in Metro Manila have already started preparing lists of tricycle drivers from various TODAs to be submitted to the DSWD.
Officials said payouts in Metro Manila are expected to begin next Tuesday, while other regions will receive the subsidy shortly afterward.
Government Support for the Transport Sector
Local officials welcomed the fuel subsidy program, saying it will help ease the burden on drivers who are heavily affected by rising fuel prices.
The government aims to assist drivers across the public transport sector through financial aid as fuel costs continue to rise.