(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the government's rollout of relief measures meant to ease the impact of the fuel crisis caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Marcos announced the expansion of fuel subsidy distribution to more public utility vehicle (PUV) operators nationwide during the distribution of financial assistance to public utility vehicles at Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
"We are now providing P10,000 subsidy for each bus unit. All types of payment methods can be used. We can do it through digital payment like GCash, the ATM, checks, or cash," the president told business operators in English and Filipino.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said 27 operators of the 1,096 bus units in the PITX received the subsidy.
“Please help us so that our riding public will not be too hard hit by high fares. We all know what’s been happening, oil prices are volatile all over the world. This is the response of the government. And of course, we are always in need of assistance and the help and cooperation with the operators, with the drivers, the whole system. So, this is what we’re doing here now,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced a 50-percent discount on train fares, reduced toll rates for public utility vehicles, and the nationwide rollout of a P2.5-billion fuel subsidy program respectively.
All passengers of LRT-2 and MRT-3 are entitled to a 50-percent fare discount, which started on March 23, 2026, according to documents presented during a press conference this Tuesday
Toll discounts took effect the same day for Class 1 public utility vehicles, including jeepneys and modernized jeepneys, as well as for Class 3 trucks with three or more axles and a height exceeding 7.5 feet.
The discounts vary per expressway, with savings ranging from P1 to P66 for Class 1 vehicles and P8 to P197 for Class 3 vehicles.
Beneficiaries must have RFID tags, be registered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and hold a certificate of franchise.
For vehicles transporting agricultural products, the government also implemented a “Piso Ro-Ro” terminal fee, reducing rates to P1 for Class 3 and Class 4 vehicles.
At airports, reduced fees and charges will take effect on April 1. Passengers will save up to P200 per person on terminal fees, while airlines will save up to P5,000 per landing on landing fees.
The fuel subsidy program, with an approved budget of P2.5 billion, targets 245,066 driver-beneficiaries and covers 1,180,783 public utility vehicle units operated by beneficiaries. Distribution began March 24 through fuel subsidy cards, bank transfers, e-wallet transfers, and cash or check payouts. The government will shoulder all convenience fees.
Under the program, subsidy amounts vary by vehicle type.
Public bus operators will receive P10,000 per unit and drivers P5,000 each.
Modern public utility jeepney operators will receive P10,000 per unit and drivers P1,500 each.
Traditional jeepney operators will receive P5,000 per unit and drivers P1,500 each.
UV Express operators and drivers will receive P5,000 and P1,500 respectively.
Taxi operators will receive P2,000 per unit and drivers P5,000 each.
Tricycle drivers and delivery service beneficiaries are scheduled to receive their subsidies after Holy Week.
