The government is actively reviewing proposals to provide enhanced relief to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators who continue to struggle with volatile fuel prices, Malacañang announced Tuesday.
The statement follows reports that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recommended doubling the current ₱10-per-liter fuel discount to ₱20 for one month, as well as expanding coverage to include all public transportation modes.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez is set to meet with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and the government’s economic team to iron out the details.
“Sa ngayon ay pinag-uusapan (yan). Nakausap natin mismo si Secretary (Lopez) at mayroon siyang pakikipagpulong sa Office of the Executive Secretary para pag-usapan ang mga detalye patungkol dito,” Castro said.
The existing ₱10-per-liter discount—originally capped at 150 liters or ₱1,500 weekly for qualified diesel jeepney and UV Express operators—has been extended through the end of August while discussions on further aid continue.
When asked if another round of cash relief is on the table, Castro noted that additional support measures remain under active consideration.
“Sa ngayon ay pag-uusapan pa kung anong maaari pang maitulong sa ating mga kababayan dito sa transport industry. So maibibigay ko siguro sa inyo iyong mga detalye maya-maya kung maibibigay sa atin,” she added.
The government previously distributed ₱5,000 in cash assistance to eligible public transport drivers earlier this year to cushion the impact of global fuel price spikes linked to Middle East tensions.