ILOILO City – The city government has outlined the guidelines for distributing fuel subsidy coupons to local transport operators as fuel prices continue to climb due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the city gathered leaders of various transport groups yesterday — even on a holiday — to brief them on the mechanics of the subsidy program funded by the Iloilo City Government. The initiative aims to ease the burden on drivers who have been struggling with increasing fuel expenses.
The assistance will be limited to drivers operating within Iloilo City. Each registered jeepney unit will receive a fuel subsidy coupon based on the validated master list of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), with distribution to be coordinated through their respective transport cooperatives.
Treñas explained that tricycle drivers must also meet specific requirements to qualify for the subsidy. These include holding a valid franchise issued by the city council, securing a Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP) from the Business Permit and Licensing Office, and proving that they are residents of Iloilo City.
The city government has set March 23, 2026 as the deadline for submitting the required documents for the first batch of beneficiaries. Once applications are verified, subsidy coupons will be released to eligible drivers.
To make the distribution process easier, Treñas said the city plans to release the coupons in designated sites across the city’s districts so drivers can access the assistance more conveniently.
The mayor added that members of the Association of Tricycle Operators and Drivers of the Philippines (ATOP) may be included in the second phase of the program. However, she noted that the guidelines may still undergo review since some drivers operating in the city are from nearby towns but hold franchises within Iloilo City.
Discussions are also underway regarding a possible adjustment in tricycle fares. Treñas said the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association is scheduled to meet with the Transportation and Traffic Management Office (TTMO) and the Iloilo City Council to present their request for a fare hike under the existing ordinance.
The city government said the fuel subsidy initiative forms part of its efforts to assist the local transport sector as global tensions continue to affect fuel supply and prices./PN
