The Palace on Monday disclosed that Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez has met with the Office of the Executive Secretary to discuss the ₱20/liter fuel subsidy for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

The announcement comes after news of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) submitting a recommendation for a month-long doubled fuel subsidy.

During a press briefing at the Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that, in the meantime, the existing ₱10/liter subsidy will be extended until the end of August.

“Nakausap po natin mismo si Secretary Banoy at mayroon po siyang pakikipagpulong sa Office of the Executive Secretary para pag-usapan po ang mga detalye patungkol dito. Pero sa ngayon po ay patuloy pa rin po, extended po hanggang katapusan ng August ang 10-peso per liter fuel discount or subsidy,” she told reporters.

The Palace official was unable to give a definitive date for the final decision on the matter, as, during the briefing, the meeting between the Transportation chief and executive secretary was ongoing.

On Monday, the LTFRB said it had already submitted its recommendation for a fuel subsidy increase, which would require approximately ₱4.5 billion in funds.

In addition, the board announced that it will submit another recommendation, this time for a temporary fare hike for all PUVs, amid petitions clamoring for its implementation.