The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is refocusing ₱1.2 billion from its flagship emergency employment program to support transport workers struggling with surging fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking on DZRH’s "Dos Por Dos," DOLE spokesperson Assistant Secretary Lennard Serrano said the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program will now specifically target drivers to prevent a potential paralysis in public transportation.

Serrano emphasized that TUPAD is an established social protection initiative designed to provide immediate "cash-for-work" relief to vulnerable and marginalized sectors. Under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Executive Order 110, the department is fast-tracking assistance to the transport sector.

"Ang idea po natin, nag-refocus po tayo ng certain funds, ito pong P1.2 billion, para makatulong sa mga naapektuhan sa transport sector," Serrano said.

"Ayaw po nating tumigil sa pasada ang mga driver kasi ito ang mga sinasakyan ng ating commuting public and it keeps our economy moving."

The move comes as the government braces for a "state of national energy emergency" due to volatile global oil markets. Serrano noted that the primary objective of the fund diversion is employment preservation.

By providing drivers with temporary emergency employment and cash assistance, the department aims to offset high operational costs and ensure that commuters are not stranded by a decrease in active public utility vehicles.

"Kung magtatagal itong state of national energy emergency, the objective is the preservation of employment," Serrano added.