House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has filed the Fuel Subsidy Program Act (HB 8031), mandating a monthly fuel subsidy of at least ₱7,000 for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, farmers, fisherfolk, and other low-income sectors.
De Lima said the measure aims to provide stability for workers whose livelihoods rely on oil, noting that temporary government subsidies have not sufficiently addressed their needs.
“Mahalaga na maalalayan at matulungan ng gobyerno ang mga sektor na ito na naghahatid sa ating mga kababayan ng pangunahing mga serbisyo — kinakailangang transportasyon at pagkain sa hapag ng bawat pamilya,” she said, stressing that supporting these sectors also improves public services.
Under the bill, subsidies will be directly deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The amount will be periodically reviewed by the Department of Energy, Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development to ensure relevance.
De Lima argued that such programs merit state funding over projects that “never materialize and only benefit a few.”
She added that regular fuel aid would help prevent fare hikes, boost farmers’ and fisherfolk’s incomes, and ultimately lower food prices, benefiting the broader public.