THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday said it is considering another round of financial aid to transport workers if fuel prices continue to surge.
In a press conference in Manila, DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian said the P5,000 being distributed to transport groups under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program is only the first phase of the government’s program to ease the burden of rising fuel costs on drivers.
“This is not going to be limited to one round, it’s going to be multiple rounds. In fact, that’s why I’m circling around to see the issues on the ground,” he said.
After Holy Week, there will be a special payout schedule for transport workers who were not included in the first round, “and then we’ll immediately move on to the second round,” Gatchalian said.
Transport groups went on a two-day nationwide strike to drive home the point that the cash subsidy from the government is not enough to cover their needs.
One organization, Manibela, prodded the government to provide P10,000 in monthly cash assistance, instead of the one-time payout of P5,000.
Gatchalian said the agency will continue to assist vulnerable sectors for as long as the crisis continues.
Gatchalian also announced that on April 8, the agency will begin distributing financial aid outside Metro Manila.
He said high-density areas, such as Regions 3 (Central Luzon) and 4A (Calabarzon), would be prioritized.
Gatchalian stressed that physical appearance is a requirement in claiming financial assistance.
Digitalizing the distribution of the financial assistance is also being considered, he said.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, meanwhile, announced Friday that the city government will compensate public utility jeepney drivers to ease the effects of the rising fuel costs.
During a Facebook Live broadcast, Moreno said the city government would rent 1,442 jeepneys and pay their drivers.
“For drivers, there is a stable income; there is a fuel allowance, guaranteed by the city. At the end of the day, the driver is paid,” he said in Filipino.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported no violent incidents during the transport strike.
MMDA General Manager Nicholas Torre III said the grievances of the protesters were valid and were being relayed to concerned government agencies through the MMDA’s Emergency Operations Center.
He said the MMDA deliberately avoided deploying free rides for commuters during the strike “because we do not want to take away the very small earnings of those who did not join those movements.”
Instead, the agency adjusted its deployments depending on where there were passenger build-ups, particularly in areas where commuters waiting by the roadside could be exposed to danger.
The No to Oil Price Hike Coalition, which led the broader protest, demanded the nationalization of the oil industry and the removal of taxes on fuel products.
The group accused the government of making the public bear the burden of higher oil costs instead of addressing the profits of large oil companies.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said the strike was “generally peaceful,” despite reports of stranded commuters and scattered disruptions in Metro Manila.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the situation on the ground remained manageable on the first day of the protest action.
“I commend our commanders and personnel for properly responding to the situation on the ground by ensuring that the right of the people to air their grievances is respected and making sure that those affected are properly assisted. This is a good job that must be sustained,” said Nartatez in a statement.
Police presence was sustained in hot spots as commuters adjusted to limited transport options.
“Police visibility helps deter incidents. When the police are present, everyone becomes more disciplined,” Nartatez said.