Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 6) — Malacañang on Monday called on jeepney drivers to continue their operations, assuring that the government is exploring ways to cushion the impact of high fuel prices.
“Nanawagan kami sa mga tsuper at mga operator ng mga jeep na huwag ituloy ang kanilang planong tigil pasada ngayon linggo,” acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a statement.
“Ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan ang makakaya upang tulungan ang mga tsuper at mga operator sa gitna ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis,” he added.
[Translation: We call on the drivers and operators of jeeps not to pursue their plan to stop operations this week. Your government is doing its best to assist drivers and operators amid rising oil prices.]
This comes after transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) hinted in a radio interview on Sunday that many drivers were mulling to stop plying the roads following successive increases in pump prices.
Oil companies announced that there will be another round of oil price hikes starting Tuesday.
Data from the Department of Energy showed that net price increases since the start of the year for gasoline, diesel and kerosene stood at ₱23.85, ₱30.30 and ₱27.65 per liter, respectively, as of May 31.
READ: Fuel firms announce big-time price hike
Andanar said the government continues to provide fuel subsidy to affected transportation workers. Citing data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, he said over 180,000 public utility vehicle operators already received assistance as of June 1.
