GOVERNMENT ROLLS OUT FUEL SUBSIDIES FOR TRANSPORT SECTOR AMID GLOBAL OIL PRICE SURGE

By: Shaine Pe

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez says jeepney and bus drivers are among the hardest hit, as most public transport still relies on fuel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved several subsidy programs to ease the burden on drivers and operators. Funding will come from government savings, as identified by Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo.

The Department of Energy is set to release a ₱1.5 billion fuel subsidy, while the Transportation Department has allotted ₱1 billion for its service contracting program. Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Department will also extend financial aid to transport workers under its crisis assistance program. Authorities say these measures aim to provide immediate relief as global oil prices remain unstable.