President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the nationwide rollout of fuel subsidies for additional transport sectors will begin on April 6, as part of government efforts to cushion the impact of rising petroleum prices brought about by the conflict in the Middle East.
In a vlog released Sunday, Marcos said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has already disbursed funds for the subsidy program, assuring transport workers of continued support amid soaring fuel costs.
“Naiintindihan natin ang sigaw ng mga nagpoprotesta na kababayan nating nasa sektor na ito. Pero gusto kong ulitin sa inyo, hindi kayo maiiwanan. Hindi kayo pababayaan ng pamahalaan,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that more than 98,000 tricycle drivers in Metro Manila had received ₱5,000 in cash relief assistance during the first week of payouts, as of Saturday.
The agency is set to expand distribution to other public utility vehicle drivers in Metro Manila starting March 24.