President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has raised the government’s fuel discount for eligible public utility jeepney and UV Express operators and drivers from ₱10 to ₱12 per liter starting Saturday, August 15, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
With the current weekly cap of 150 liters, the rate hike enables beneficiaries to save up to ₱1,800 per unit weekly.
Originally launched in April to cushion transport workers against spiking fuel costs tied to Middle East tensions, the subsidy program has already assisted over 93,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide.
The adjustment was approved Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, where officials evaluated economic safeguards against international oil volatility, rising inflation, and geopolitical spillovers.
Alongside the fuel boost, Recto instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expedite support distributions under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport program for vulnerable groups, including farmers, fisherfolk, transport, and construction workers.
“Gaya ng inaasahan, patuloy na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang epekto ng kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan. Dapat tuloy ang trabaho, tuloy ang ayuda, at ramdam ng bawat sektor ang presensya at malasakit ng gobyerno,” Recto said.