MANILA — The Marcos administration will roll out an expanded fuel subsidy program nationwide beginning April 6, ramping up assistance to transport workers and other vulnerable sectors as global oil prices continue to rise due to tensions in the Middle East.
Malacañang said the move forms part of a broader, whole-of-government response aimed at cushioning the impact of escalating fuel costs on commuters and livelihoods.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said nearly 100,000 tricycle drivers have already benefited from the subsidy following the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with additional transportation workers set to receive aid under the nationwide rollout.
“Sa April 6 naman magsisimula ang nationwide rollout para sa ibang transportation workers,” Castro said.
Beyond the transport sector, the government is also extending financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, with an additional P50 million allocated for distribution through regional field offices.
Support measures to ease transportation costs remain in place, including the deployment of free rides under the Love Bus program in major urban centers such as Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. Commuters are likewise benefiting from 50 percent fare discounts on LRT-2 and MRT-3.
Castro said the government continues to monitor the prices of essential commodities to ensure compliance with suggested retail prices.
“Patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng pamahalaan… upang panatilihing mababa ang presyo ng mga bilihin,” she said.
Authorities are also working to strengthen the country’s energy security by securing additional oil supply from international partners, optimizing output from the Malampaya gas field, and accelerating the rollout of new power projects.
The expanded fuel subsidy program is part of the government’s wider effort to protect livelihoods and sustain economic stability amid continued volatility in the global oil market./PN
