A local transport group on Sunday urged the government to increase the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUVs) from ₱10 to ₱15 per liter to cushion the impact of rising oil prices.
Melencio “Boy” Vargas, president of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), revealed during a DZBB radio interview that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) consulted transport groups on potential relief measures, asking them to choose between a higher fuel discount or a fare increase.
”Humingi po sa amin ng consultation ang kagalang-galang natin na LTFRB at pinag-aaralan ng LTFRB at DOTr na mas lakahin yung fuel discount sa mga fuel companies. Pinapili po kami…Kung bibigyan po kami ng fuel discount na ₱15 po, sa amin po, ayun ang nanaisin naming kaysa po yung ₱1 [fare hike],” Vargas said.
Vargas added that should the ₱15-per-liter discount be approved, they want the program expanded to cover more drivers nationwide.
”Hinihiling lang po namin doon ay palawakin po. Kasi mayroon pong ibang lugar na wala pong discount, kaya sabi naming i-nationwide na,” he emphasized.
The proposal follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement last April of a three-month, ₱10-per-liter subsidy capped at 150 liters weekly, initially implemented in Metro Manila due to Middle East tensions.
With the minimum jeepney fare currently set at ₱13, the LTFRB is recalculating possible fare adjustments as other transport groups push for rate hikes—Manibela is seeking a ₱2 increase, while PISTON has a pending petition for a ₱10 hike.
The calls for relief come ahead of another projected surge in pump prices next week, with diesel expected to jump by up to ₱6.50 per liter and gasoline by up to ₱6 per liter.