Metro Manila, Philippines – Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto on Wednesday, March 11, announced the ₱5,000 fuel subsidy for the transport sector for distribution next week.
Metro Manila drivers and operators will first benefit from the assistance, followed by other regions.
Recto said he met with Metro Manila mayors earlier on Wednesday to discuss and expedite the distribution of subsidies as the transportation sector suffers from high fuel prices.
The distribution of the fuel subsidy will be led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian noted that the fuel subsidy will come from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
“Like what (Transportation) Secretary Banoy said, the president’s directive is to use all programs of the DSWD to protect the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. At this point, they are not just public utility drivers; we can consider them individuals in crisis situations because their livelihoods are affected,” Gatchalian said, clarifying the role of the agency.
“You might be wondering why the DSWD. All those mentioned by Secretary Banoy tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, taxi and UV drivers, TNVS operators, and others affected by the increase in oil prices are now considered individuals in crisis situations,” he added.
The beneficiaries will be tricycle drivers, followed by jeepney drivers, taxi drivers, TNVS operators, and other sectors affected by the impact of the Middle East conflict.
Gatchalian said that out of the program’s more than ₱60 billion budget, ₱30 billion has already been allocated should the crisis in the Middle East persist.
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said Metro Manila mayors will give their full support to the program.
The mayors, through the heads of each City Social Welfare and Development Department, will submit the list of tricycle drivers to the DSWD central office today, according to Zamora.
“Well, our president’s order is nationwide. We will just kick off in Metro Manila, but the other areas will follow soon. One after the other,” Zamora said.
A second round of subsidy distribution will be implemented if the crisis continues.
