BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City government is considering providing a fuel subsidy for public transport drivers as fuel prices continue to rise, while also calling on gasoline retailers to strictly comply with government-regulated price adjustments.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the local government is currently gathering data on public utility jeepney (PUJ) and tricycle drivers in the city as part of preparations for a possible subsidy program.
According to Gasataya, information on PUJ drivers will be obtained from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), while records of tricycle drivers will be sourced from the Bacolod City Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO).
The mayor said the data will help determine the number of potential beneficiaries and identify possible funding sources for the proposed fuel assistance program aimed at helping drivers cope with rising fuel costs.
The move came after the Iloilo City government earlier set aside P3 million for a fuel subsidy program expected to benefit around 2,000 drivers.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City government has also directed local fuel retailers to strictly follow oil price regulations as global market pressures continue to push fuel costs higher.
The City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) has started monitoring gasoline stations across the city following the announcement of major price adjustments from the Department of Energy (DOE).
Based on DOE estimates, price adjustments per liter could reach P7.00 to P13.00 for gasoline, P17.50 to P24.25 for diesel, and P32.00 to P38.50 for kerosene.
City Administrator Mark Mayo urged fuel retailers to conduct their operations fairly and responsibly.
“We are appealing to business owners to be just and fair in conducting their operations. All activities must remain within the bounds of the law,” Mayo said.
He added that the city government is ready to coordinate with the Department of Energy in investigating any reported violations and will submit monitoring reports to the agency, which has the authority to impose sanctions.
Mayor Gasataya also ordered regular monitoring of gasoline stations, emphasizing that retailers must not implement price increases ahead of the scheduled adjustment dates or engage in hoarding, which is prohibited by law.
During initial inspections, authorities checked four gasoline stations in the city. One establishment was found to have implemented a price increase ahead of the scheduled adjustment on March 10.
A representative of the station explained that the price adjustment was made following an increase in prices from its supplier./PN
