MANILA — Motorists and the transport sector are set to get immediate relief this week as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a sweeping fuel price rollback led by a steep P24.94-per-liter reduction in diesel, the largest cut in recent weeks, amid easing global oil pressures.
In a video message, Marcos said gasoline prices will also go down by P3.41 per liter, while kerosene will drop by P2, signaling a broader softening of fuel costs that could ease inflationary strain on goods and transport.
“Mas malaki ito kaysa sa rollback noong nakaraang linggo at malinaw ang ibig sabihin nito para sa ating lahat — may ginhawang parating,” he said.
The President ordered oil companies to strictly enforce the rollback, warning against delays or incomplete implementation.
“Ipatupad ninyo ang rollback ng buo, tama at walang pagkaantala. Ibigay ninyo sa taong bayan ang dapat naman na nasa kanila,” he said.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any irregularities to authorities, including the Office of the President and the Department of Energy.
“Kung may paglabag, ipaalam po ninyo sa amin. Kikilos kami kaagad,” Marcos said.
To further cushion the impact of volatile fuel prices, the government will continue extending targeted assistance to the transport sector. These include a P10-per-liter fuel discount for public utility vehicles and buses, along with the ongoing service contracting program aimed at supporting drivers’ income.
In addition, regulatory relief has been granted through the Land Transportation Office, which approved a three-month extension on expiring driver’s licenses, student permits, conductor’s licenses, and vehicle registrations — without penalties.
“Kung mag-e-expire ngayong buwan ang lisensya o rehistro mo, magiging valid pa rin ‘yan hanggang July at wala kang babayarang multa o anumang surcharge,” he said.
Marcos assured the public that the government will sustain interventions to shield Filipinos from economic pressures and ensure that the benefits of lower fuel prices are felt on the ground.
“Batid namin ang sitwasyon ng bawat Pilipino sa panahong ito. Hindi tayo titigil. Hindi tayo uurong. At hindi natin hahayaan na ang ginhawang ito ay hindi po makarating sa taong-bayan,” he said./PN
