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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Leads Fuel Subsidy Rollout For PUVs Amid Rising Oil Prices
Photo credit: PCO
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers, as rising oil prices continue to put pressure on the transport sector.
The President visited the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to oversee the initial distribution of assistance under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Fuel Subsidy Program, which is being implemented nationwide.
The program is backed by a ₱2.5-billion allocation and aims to cushion the impact of higher fuel costs on transport workers, whose earnings have been affected by volatility in global oil prices.
Under the initiative, bus operators may receive up to ₱10,000 per unit, while individual drivers are set to receive ₱5,000 each. Funds are being distributed through multiple channels, including fuel cards, cash assistance, and direct transfers to bank accounts or e-wallets.
The DOTr said the program is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of drivers and operators across the country, covering jeepneys, buses, taxis, UV Express units, transport network vehicle services (TNVS), tricycles, and delivery riders. Final beneficiary figures remain subject to validation.
Distribution for major PUVs has begun, while payouts for tricycle drivers and delivery riders are scheduled after Holy Week. For individual drivers, subsidies will be released through digital platforms such as GCash and Maya, with transaction fees covered by the government.
Broader support measures
The fuel subsidy rollout comes as transport groups continue to grapple with rising diesel and gasoline prices, largely driven by global supply concerns and geopolitical tensions.
Some drivers have reduced their trips or temporarily stopped operating to avoid losses, while certain operators have scaled back routes. These disruptions can lead to longer waiting times and possible fare increases for commuters.
To provide additional assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is extending financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to select transport workers.
Meanwhile, fare relief measures remain in place for rail commuters, with the LRT Line 2 and MRT Line 3 continuing to offer discounts to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Free ride initiatives, including the government’s “Libreng Sakay” programs in key urban areas, are also ongoing to help ease transportation costs.
The President visited the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to oversee the initial distribution of assistance under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Fuel Subsidy Program, which is being implemented nationwide.
The program is backed by a ₱2.5-billion allocation and aims to cushion the impact of higher fuel costs on transport workers, whose earnings have been affected by volatility in global oil prices.
Under the initiative, bus operators may receive up to ₱10,000 per unit, while individual drivers are set to receive ₱5,000 each. Funds are being distributed through multiple channels, including fuel cards, cash assistance, and direct transfers to bank accounts or e-wallets.
The DOTr said the program is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of drivers and operators across the country, covering jeepneys, buses, taxis, UV Express units, transport network vehicle services (TNVS), tricycles, and delivery riders. Final beneficiary figures remain subject to validation.
Distribution for major PUVs has begun, while payouts for tricycle drivers and delivery riders are scheduled after Holy Week. For individual drivers, subsidies will be released through digital platforms such as GCash and Maya, with transaction fees covered by the government.
Broader support measures
The fuel subsidy rollout comes as transport groups continue to grapple with rising diesel and gasoline prices, largely driven by global supply concerns and geopolitical tensions.
Some drivers have reduced their trips or temporarily stopped operating to avoid losses, while certain operators have scaled back routes. These disruptions can lead to longer waiting times and possible fare increases for commuters.
To provide additional assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is extending financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to select transport workers.
Meanwhile, fare relief measures remain in place for rail commuters, with the LRT Line 2 and MRT Line 3 continuing to offer discounts to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Free ride initiatives, including the government’s “Libreng Sakay” programs in key urban areas, are also ongoing to help ease transportation costs.
Mar 24, 2026
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