MANILA — The national government will begin releasing a P5,000 fuel subsidy to public transport drivers starting next week as rising global oil prices — linked to tensions in the Middle East — threaten to drive up operating costs for jeepney, tricycle, and other public transport operators across the country.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate rollout of the financial assistance to cushion drivers from the impact of escalating fuel prices, with the initial distribution set to begin in Metro Manila before expanding to other regions.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the rollout will proceed after coordination between the national government and Metro Manila mayors to ensure faster and more accurate distribution of the subsidy.
Recto emphasized the importance of working closely with local officials to ensure the aid reaches drivers who need it most.
“Bilang mayors, kayo ang higit na nakakaalam sa tunay na sitwasyon at bilang ng mga tricycle at jeepney drivers sa inyong mga lungsod. Kaya mahalaga ang ating pagtutulungan. Sa mabuting koordinasyon at sabayang pagkilos, mas mabilis nating maipaparating ang tulong sa bawat driver na nangangailangan,” Recto said.
“Sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga mayors, mas mabilis nating maipaparating ang tulong sa bawat driver na nangangailangan,” he added.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the subsidy distribution will initially prioritize tricycle drivers under the jurisdiction of local government units, followed by jeepney operators.
“Uunahin po natin ang mga tricycle drivers under the jurisdiction of the respective LGUs tapos susunod-sunod na rin po natin iyong mga jeepney operators,” Lopez said.
Authorities added that drivers from other public transport services will also benefit from the fuel subsidy program.
“May master list naman po ang LTFRB at ang DOTr at dito po papasok ‘yung tinatawag naming fuel subsidy. That will be triggered only, sa tingin namin, the moment that we have certification from Department of Energy… malamang ‘yan masisimulan namin sa unang linggo ng Abril,” Lopez said.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian said Metro Manila will serve as the initial rollout site before the subsidy distribution expands nationwide.
“Iki-kick-off lang natin sa Metro Manila pero sunod-sunod na ho ‘yan, hindi ‘yan magtatagal. One after the other mangyayari ho ‘yan,” Gatchalian said.
Authorities said payouts in Metro Manila are expected to begin Tuesday, with other regions set to follow shortly after./PN
