President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the government will implement a service contracting program for public utility vehicles (PUVs) starting April 15, aimed at supporting drivers and operators while ensuring reliable transport services for commuters.
In a video message released Thursday, April 9, Marcos said:
“Simula April 15, ipapatupad ng Department of Transportation ang service contracting program. Sa ilalim ng programang ito, babayaran namin ang ating mga operator at drayber ng mula ₱40 hanggang ₱100 kada kilometro. Dagdag ito sa kanilang kita mula sa pamasahe.”
The program will include GPS monitoring to verify trips and maintain service quality.
Alongside this, the President announced a fuel subsidy of ₱10 per liter for PUVs, capped at 150 liters per week for three months. The subsidy will initially roll out in Metro Manila, beginning in Commonwealth, before expanding to Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, A. Bonifacio, Rizal, and Marcos Highway, with nationwide implementation to follow.
Marcos emphasized the broader economic impact of the initiative.
“Mahalaga ito dahil hindi lang transport cost ang tinutugunan natin. Pinipigilan din natin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at iba pang pangunahing bilihin.”
He added that the subsidy will only be available at legitimate gas stations accredited and monitored by the Department of Energy.
The government will also enforce a minimum 20 percent fare discount and prioritize routes connected to train lines and major bus corridors to improve commuter convenience.
According to the President, the program is expected to cover around 50,000 PUVs, 1,000 operators, and benefit up to 15 million passengers nationwide.
“Ginagawa natin itong lahat para manatiling maayos ang takbo ng inyong araw-araw na buhay. Ang bawat desisyon na ginagawa natin ay may isang layunin lamang, maprotektahan ang Pilipino,” he said.
Marcos did not indicate whether the government will proceed with suspending the fuel excise tax.