The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has accelerated the distribution of cash relief assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Metro Manila, in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.

Speaking at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel on Friday, March 27, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency has already rolled out financial aid to various transport sectors, prioritizing those most affected by rising fuel costs.

“Alinsunod sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo… sinimulan na ng DSWD sa mabilis na panahon ang pag-distribute ng tulong pinansyal para sa ating mga PUV drivers,” Gatchalian said.

He detailed that tricycle drivers were among the first beneficiaries, with payouts completed within a week or even just two to three days. Assistance has also been released to jeepney drivers, followed by transport network vehicle service (TNVS) or ride-hailing drivers.

Over the past two days, aid distribution has extended to delivery riders, with motorcycle taxi drivers scheduled to receive assistance next.

In total, around 216,267 PUV drivers in Metro Manila are set to benefit from the initial round of aid, with the DSWD allocating nearly ₱1.5 billion for the program.

Gatchalian added that the agency will expand the distribution to provinces after Holy Week, targeting an estimated 750,000 tricycle drivers and operators nationwide.

“Alam natin sila yung medyo nasa front line ng effects ng pagtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo, kaya inupunan natin sila,” he said, emphasizing the need to support transport workers hit hardest by fuel price hikes.