Malacañang on Tuesday announced that the government will broaden its fuel subsidy program by April to assist nearly 400,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers coping with rising fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East.
The program builds on the initial rollout of cash aid for tricycle drivers in Metro Manila, where distribution of ₱5,000 in assistance began at ASAC Covered Court, covering around 135,196 tricycle drivers in the metropolis.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the expanded initiative will support 396,352 PUV drivers in Metro Manila, including transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, motorcycle taxi operators, bus drivers, and jeepney drivers.
“Two wheels, three wheels, four wheels, six wheels. Basta namamasada susubukan na maisama sa programa,” Recto said.
“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,” he added.
Recto explained that the program is being implemented under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program, designed to “ease the pain at the gas pump and the pinch on [the beneficiaries’] income.”
Nationwide distribution is expected by April, once the DSWD, Department of Transportation, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board finalize the list of beneficiaries.