Public utility vehicle drivers in Metro Manila will soon receive financial assistance from the government as fuel prices continue to climb due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Authorities announced that a P5,000 fuel subsidy will begin rolling out next week to help transport workers cope with rising operating costs.
The subsidy program will initially be implemented in Metro Manila, with payouts expected to begin on Tuesday, March 17. Officials said the initiative is part of the government’s effort to ease the burden on drivers whose livelihoods have been affected by the surge in oil prices.
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Initial Rollout for Tricycle Drivers
According to officials, tricycle drivers will be the first group to receive the assistance through their respective local government units. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will distribute the aid using funds from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
“Sa punto na 'to, hindi na lang kasi sila public utility drivers kung hindi maituturing na natin silang mga individual in crisis situation dahil apektado na ang kanilang mga hanapbuhay – at diyan papasok ang AICS or the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program ng DSWD,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said during a Palace briefing.
“Ang napagkasunduan namin ng mga alkalde ng Metro Manila at later on sa buong bansa ay by Tuesday next week, sisimulan na natin iyong pagbigay ng tulong-pinansiyal,” he added.
The DSWD chief said his agency will coordinate with local social welfare offices to finalize the list of qualified beneficiaries before the distribution begins.
“The DSWD is ready. The President has instructed us to make use of everything in our arsenal to make sure na hindi maapektuhan ang mga kababayan natin,” Gatchalian assured.
More Drivers to Receive Aid in the Following Weeks
Officials said other transport workers will also receive the same amount of assistance once the program expands. Drivers of jeepneys, taxis, buses and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) are expected to receive the P5,000 cash aid in the following weeks, most likely in April.
“Definitely lahat po yan mabibigyan but we have to start somewhere,” Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. “Ang utos at usapan ngayon ay wag pahirapan ang ating mga kababayan kaya po cash payout.”
“Kung iyong perang iyon ay gagamitin nila sa subsidy fuel subsidy nasa kanila iyon, kung iyon ay gagamitin nila pambili ng gamot, pangkain okay din po iyon sa gobyerno sa amin sa DOTr at sa Pangulo, kasi iyong pera sa kanila po iyon,” Lopez added.
Aside from direct financial aid, the government is also exploring other measures to reduce transportation costs. Authorities are coordinating with toll operators to provide discounts for Class 3 vehicles such as buses and trucks, which could help lower operating expenses amid the continuing increase in diesel and gasoline prices.
Meanwhile, local government units have been encouraged to utilize the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to provide additional assistance such as rice subsidies for residents affected by rising fuel costs.
For many drivers and commuters in Metro Manila, the subsidy could provide temporary relief from the financial strain caused by increasing fuel prices. By supporting transport workers who keep daily mobility running, the program may also help stabilize fares and ease the ripple effects of fuel costs on the everyday expenses of Filipino households.
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