Manila: Albay 3rd District Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda has called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to release the guidelines for the Pantawid Pasada Program, providing assistance to drivers and operators affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. "We are calling on the LTFRB to release the guidelines for the Pantawid Pasada Program as soon as possible. The USD 80 per barrel trigger for the price of crude oil has already been hit," Salceda said in a statement Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Salceda noted that he filed House Resolution No. 719 long before the Iran crisis escalated, anticipating issues as the US had already signaled possible military measures against Iran. He said the guidelines are necessary for policy certainty, to inform the public how to avail of the program, and to allow implementing agencies to prepare.

Under the resolution, the Pantawid Pasada Program was established to provide fuel subsidies to qualified public utility vehicle operators and drivers to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and help maintain affordable transportation fares. Salceda also urged the LTFRB to streamline the application and distribution process to ensure that subsidies reach qualified beneficiaries in a timely and efficient manner.

He thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for directing agencies to craft measures for farmers, fisherfolk, and other directly affected sectors, noting that PHP10 billion is allocated in the budget for Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk that can be distributed this year.