Metro Manila, Philippines – The government will raise the fuel discount for jeepney and UV Express drivers to ₱12 per liter beginning Aug. 15 to cushion the impact of elevated fuel prices as a result of tensions in the Middle East.
The increase, announced Wednesday, Aug. 5, raises the discount from ₱10 per liter in April under the fuel assistance program.
The Office of the Executive Secretary said the higher discount could translate to as much as ₱1,800 in weekly savings for public utility vehicle drivers.
The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, where officials discussed measures to protect the economy, contain inflation and provide assistance to sectors most affected by higher global oil prices.
Recto also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure that assistance under the government’s UPLIFT program reaches intended beneficiaries, including farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, construction workers and other low-income earners.
“Gaya ng inaasahan, patuloy na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang epekto ng kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan. Dapat tuloy ang trabaho, tuloy ang ayuda, at ramdam ng bawat sektor ang presensya at malasakit ng gobyerno,” he said.
[Translation: As expected, our fellow Filipinos continue to feel the effects of the conflict in the Middle East. Work must continue, assistance must continue, and every sector must feel the government’s presence and concern.]
The fuel discount program has already benefited more than 93,000 public utility vehicle drivers, according to the government.
