MALACAÑANG announced on Wednesday that the fuel discount for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers will be raised to P12 starting Aug. 15.
The increased discount replaces the previous P10-per-liter discount and aims to increase jeepney and UV Express drivers’ savings to up to P1,800 once fully implemented.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto finalized the decision during a Cabinet meeting, as members crafted government measures to support the economy, curb price inflation, and ensure targeted support for key sectors directly impacted by the Middle East conflict.
During the meeting, Recto also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) assistance reaches vulnerable sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, transport and construction workers, and other low-income laborers.
Previously, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) submitted a recommendation to Malacañan Palace proposing a P20 fuel discount.
Since the launch of the initiative in April, the LTFRB said that over 87,000 of 143,000 PUV registrants have benefited from the fuel discount.
Reacting to the increase, transport group Manibela, which is set to launch a transport strike next week, said they welcome the development.
It noted, however, that the P12 discount is inadequate.
“We wish to emphasize that this is insufficient and is not a substitute for our long-standing call for a fair fare increase,” Manibela said in a statement.
The transport group said many PUV drivers are unable to avail themselves of the fuel discount, citing limited participating gas stations and their offline systems.
“Because of this, many drivers still end up buying fuel at full price,” the group said.
The group’s 4-day transport strike is set to commence on Aug. 12 to pressure the government to increase fares.
“A fare increase is the truly direct form of assistance for drivers. It provides an immediate boost to their daily earnings, and they do not need to plead or argue with gas stations to obtain the benefit,” the group said.
They also called on the government to suspend excise and value-added taxes on petroleum products, in addition to the P12 discount.
“The long-standing call to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, or at least amend it in a way that favors the public, especially ordinary Filipinos,” the group added.
