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Advocates Philippines
Bong Go Pushes Aid For Transport Workers Amid Fuel Crisis
Contributed Photo
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go renewed his call for stronger government support for tricycle drivers, delivery riders, and other transport workers as rising fuel prices continue to strain their daily livelihoods.
Go said transport workers—many of whom depend on daily earnings—are among the hardest hit whenever oil prices increase, as higher fuel costs immediately reduce their take-home income.
"Kapag tumataas ang presyo ng gasolina, unang tinatamaan ang mga tsuper. Hindi lang po pamasahe ang usapan dito. Kabuhayan po ito ng kanilang pamilya. Kaya dapat tuluy-tuloy ang pakikinig at pagtulong sa kanila," Go emphasized.
He stressed that tricycle drivers and operators remain vital in communities, ferrying commuters to markets, schools, workplaces, and hospitals.
"Ang mga tricycle driver po, araw-araw nasa kalsada para maghanapbuhay. Sila ang naghahatid sa ating mga kababayan sa palengke, paaralan, trabaho, at ospital. Dapat lang po na maramdaman nila na may malasakit sa kanila ang gobyerno," he added.
The senator has consistently backed measures aimed at easing the burden of fuel price volatility, including potential fuel excise tax relief and targeted subsidies for vulnerable sectors such as transport workers. He noted that rising fuel costs also impact fares, goods, and overall household expenses.
"Pareho lang po ang panawagan ng ating mga tricycle drivers, delivery riders, at iba pang manggagawa sa transport sector: patas na pagtrato, proteksyon sa kabuhayan, at tulong kapag mabigat ang gastusin. Dapat po natin silang pakinggan dahil sila rin ang tumutulong sa ating mga komunidad araw-araw," Go said.
As part of his outreach, Go recently visited the family of the late Ismael "Ace" Sevilla, president of the National Capital Region Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (NCR TODA), to offer condolences and recognize his contributions to the sector.
"Nakikiramay po ako sa pamilya ni Sir Ace Sevilla. Matagal po nating nakasama si Sir Ace sa pagsusulong ng kapakanan ng ating mga tricycle drivers at operators. Hindi po matatawaran ang kanyang malasakit sa transport sector," Go said.
Go recalled that his partnership with Sevilla began in 2018 after a chance meeting at a roadside eatery in Pasay City. This encounter eventually led to the 2019 TODA Summit, which brought together government agencies and transport groups to discuss regulatory concerns, livelihood programs, and access to public services.
He also expressed appreciation for the trust Sevilla had in him, noting that the late TODA leader once referred to him as “Kuya ng TODA.”
"Malaking karangalan po sa akin na matawag na Kuya ng TODA. Para sa akin, hindi lang po ito titulo. Paalala po ito na dapat lagi nating pakinggan ang hinaing ng ating mga tsuper at operator, lalo na ngayon na ramdam na ramdam nila ang taas-presyo ng langis at gastusin sa araw-araw," he said.
Beyond tricycle drivers, Go highlighted the importance of delivery riders, who became essential during the pandemic. He pointed to Senate Bill No. 1184, or the proposed Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act, which seeks to safeguard riders from exploitation and protect their welfare.
In honoring Sevilla, Go said continuing efforts to support transport workers would be the most meaningful tribute.
"Maraming salamat, Sir Ace, dahil buong puso mong ipinaglaban ang transport sector. Hindi ka namin malilimutan. Ipagpapatuloy po natin ang adhikaing matulungan ang ating mga tsuper at operator," he said.
Go said transport workers—many of whom depend on daily earnings—are among the hardest hit whenever oil prices increase, as higher fuel costs immediately reduce their take-home income.
"Kapag tumataas ang presyo ng gasolina, unang tinatamaan ang mga tsuper. Hindi lang po pamasahe ang usapan dito. Kabuhayan po ito ng kanilang pamilya. Kaya dapat tuluy-tuloy ang pakikinig at pagtulong sa kanila," Go emphasized.
He stressed that tricycle drivers and operators remain vital in communities, ferrying commuters to markets, schools, workplaces, and hospitals.
"Ang mga tricycle driver po, araw-araw nasa kalsada para maghanapbuhay. Sila ang naghahatid sa ating mga kababayan sa palengke, paaralan, trabaho, at ospital. Dapat lang po na maramdaman nila na may malasakit sa kanila ang gobyerno," he added.
The senator has consistently backed measures aimed at easing the burden of fuel price volatility, including potential fuel excise tax relief and targeted subsidies for vulnerable sectors such as transport workers. He noted that rising fuel costs also impact fares, goods, and overall household expenses.
"Pareho lang po ang panawagan ng ating mga tricycle drivers, delivery riders, at iba pang manggagawa sa transport sector: patas na pagtrato, proteksyon sa kabuhayan, at tulong kapag mabigat ang gastusin. Dapat po natin silang pakinggan dahil sila rin ang tumutulong sa ating mga komunidad araw-araw," Go said.
As part of his outreach, Go recently visited the family of the late Ismael "Ace" Sevilla, president of the National Capital Region Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (NCR TODA), to offer condolences and recognize his contributions to the sector.
"Nakikiramay po ako sa pamilya ni Sir Ace Sevilla. Matagal po nating nakasama si Sir Ace sa pagsusulong ng kapakanan ng ating mga tricycle drivers at operators. Hindi po matatawaran ang kanyang malasakit sa transport sector," Go said.
Go recalled that his partnership with Sevilla began in 2018 after a chance meeting at a roadside eatery in Pasay City. This encounter eventually led to the 2019 TODA Summit, which brought together government agencies and transport groups to discuss regulatory concerns, livelihood programs, and access to public services.
He also expressed appreciation for the trust Sevilla had in him, noting that the late TODA leader once referred to him as “Kuya ng TODA.”
"Malaking karangalan po sa akin na matawag na Kuya ng TODA. Para sa akin, hindi lang po ito titulo. Paalala po ito na dapat lagi nating pakinggan ang hinaing ng ating mga tsuper at operator, lalo na ngayon na ramdam na ramdam nila ang taas-presyo ng langis at gastusin sa araw-araw," he said.
Beyond tricycle drivers, Go highlighted the importance of delivery riders, who became essential during the pandemic. He pointed to Senate Bill No. 1184, or the proposed Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act, which seeks to safeguard riders from exploitation and protect their welfare.
In honoring Sevilla, Go said continuing efforts to support transport workers would be the most meaningful tribute.
"Maraming salamat, Sir Ace, dahil buong puso mong ipinaglaban ang transport sector. Hindi ka namin malilimutan. Ipagpapatuloy po natin ang adhikaing matulungan ang ating mga tsuper at operator," he said.
May 1, 2026
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