MANILA, Philippines—Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Metro Manila will receive a P5,000 fuel subsidy from the government beginning Tuesday, March 17, as authorities move to cushion the impact of a steep rise in oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units for the rollout of the subsidy.
Lopez said tricycle drivers in Metro Manila would be the first to receive the assistance, followed by drivers of jeepneys, taxis, transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units, and buses.
The DOTr and DSWD are also working with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to validate the list of beneficiaries.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said drivers in the provinces would likewise receive assistance once the program is rolled out in Metro Manila.
“We will just kick it off in Metro Manila, but the payouts will quickly follow in other areas. One after the other, these will happen because the DSWD has nationwide offices that can conduct simultaneous payouts,” Gatchalian said.
Lopez said he asked toll operators to consider granting discounts to Class 3 vehicles, such as buses and trucks, to help reduce operating costs amid the continued rise in diesel and gasoline prices.
He said the proposed discounts could allow bus operators to save between P5 and P7 per liter, which could translate to about P7,000 in savings for every 100 liters of fuel consumed.
“These are some of the non-cash interventions and other measures being implemented by the national government,” the transport chief said.
Lopez also confirmed that fare increases for some public transportation modes are being considered to help drivers and operators cope with higher fuel costs. However, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is still studying how much the increase would be.
He said LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II was expected to complete the review of fare hike petitions within the week.