MANILA — The national government on Tuesday began the nationwide rollout of a P10,000 fuel subsidy for bus operators, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leading the initial distribution at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in a bid to ease rising operating costs and prevent fare hikes.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the first batch of beneficiaries included 27 bus companies operating a total of 1,096 units, each entitled to receive P10,000 in fuel assistance under the program.
Although the ceremonial launch was held in Metro Manila, Malacañang emphasized that the subsidy will be implemented across the country to support transport operators grappling with volatile global oil prices.
“Para sa mga bus operator, nandito po kami para tiyakin na ‘yong aming ginagawa na fuel subsidy ay maayos kasi mag-start tayo today pero hindi lamang dito sa Metro Manila but all over the country ito,” Marcos said.
Authorities are rolling out multiple disbursement channels to speed up the release of funds, with the President highlighting digital payment systems as the primary mode for efficiency and convenience.
“We can do it via digital payment, GCash, you can go to the ATM, may mga card naman na hawak ‘yong mga driver natin at lahat ng operator na-issue-han ng card, pwedeng gamitin ‘yon,” the President said.
At the same time, Marcos acknowledged that some beneficiaries may still prefer traditional methods, assuring that alternative options remain available.
“Meron pa ring iilan na talaga namang ayaw nilang gawing digital kaya pwede ring mag-issue ng tseke at kung talagang kailangan, kahit cash pwede pa rin,” he said.
Transport officials described the subsidy as a temporary relief measure aimed at cushioning the impact of rising fuel costs on operators while helping prevent fare increases that could burden commuters.
Marcos also called on industry stakeholders to cooperate with the government’s efforts, stressing the importance of protecting the riding public from the effects of fluctuating oil prices.
“Tutulungan niyo naman kami para ‘yong mga riding public ay hindi masyadong mahirapan muna at hindi sila masyadong mabigatan sa pamasahe dahil alam naman natin kung ano ang nangyayari at nagbabago ‘yong presyo ng langis all over the world kaya ito ang response ng pamahalaan,” the President said./PN
