The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday assured the Senate that it will propose to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the release of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers as fuel prices continue to surge.
During a Senate hearing, Transportation Assistant Secretary Dioscoro Reyes said the agency plans to tap the President’s contingency fund to provide immediate relief to drivers affected by rising pump costs.
“Gaya po ng sabi ni Senator [Win] Gatchalian, we’ll probably recommend to the President the subsidy from the contingent fund,” Reyes said, adding that the recommendation would be submitted immediately after the hearing.
Senator Win Gatchalian earlier highlighted the strain on drivers, noting that gasoline prices have increased by roughly 15–17% since February, while fares have remained stagnant.
“So in the meantime na tumaas ang gasoline by let’s say 17% at ang pamasahe nag-stagnate, eh di kawawa ‘yung mga tsuper,” Gatchalian said.
He emphasized that the fuel subsidy program is meant to act as a “shock absorber” during periods of high oil prices and suggested utilizing contingency funds while Congress works on amending the law, which currently requires global oil prices to average USD 80 per barrel for one month before subsidies can be released.
The DOTr said it is coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Finance (DOF) on possible funding sources, noting that approximately ₱2.5 billion in unused fuel subsidy funds from the previous year remain available for disbursement.