Manila: The government will expand its fuel subsidy program by April to help nearly 400,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers cope with the rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East, Malaca±ang announced Tuesday. This follows the successful rollout of the initial payouts benefitting tricycle drivers in Metro Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution of PHP5,000 in cash assistance kicked off at ASAC Covered Court in Sta. Mesa, Manila, covering around 135,196 tricycle drivers from the country's metropolis. In a statement, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the expanded program would benefit a total of 396,352 PUV drivers in Metro Manila, including transport network vehicle services (TNVS) drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, bus drivers, and jeepney drivers.
Recto mentioned that the initiative, implemented under the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program, aims to 'ease the pain at the gas pump and the pinch on [the beneficiaries'] income.' He emphasized inclusivity by stating, 'Two wheels, three wheels, four wheels, six wheels. Basta namamasada susubukan na maisama sa programa (As long as you are driving, we will try to include you in the program).'
The statement highlighted the urgency of the matter, with Recto noting, 'Prayoridad ng Pangulo na agad matulungan ang ating mga tsuper na biktima ng kaguluhan sa Middle East. Kaya inilarga na agad ang tulong-pasada na ito (It is the President's priority to immediately assist our drivers affected by the Middle East conflict. That is why this transport aid was launched right away).' The nationwide distribution of fuel subsidies is projected to commence by April, pending the finalization of the list of beneficiaries by the DSWD, Department of Transportation, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
In addition to the fuel aid, Recto announced the government's plan to launch a Libreng Sakay Program to assist commuters, especially students and workers, in saving money amid rising commodity prices. 'We are doing an inventory of what we can deploy, and who can participate,' he said, suggesting various modalities such as deploying government-owned vehicles or contracting buses for fare-free rides. Recto also mentioned the possibility of local government units with free bus services extending their operating hours to further aid commuters.
Recto concluded by underscoring the potential impact of these measures, stating, 'Ang mahalaga, pag naipon ang lahat ng mga 'yan, malaki ang maitutulong sa mananakay (The important thing is that when all these are implemented, they will greatly help commuters).'
