The government raised the fuel discount for jeepney and UV Express drivers to ₱12 per liter, effective August 15, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announced on Wednesday.

The decision was approved during a meeting held at Malacañang on August 4, led by Recto and attended by Cabinet secretaries. The increase from the current ₱10-per-liter discount follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand fuel assistance for the transport sector amid the continuing impact of tensions in the Middle East.

Once implemented, the enhanced fuel subsidy program is expected to allow eligible public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to save up to ₱1,800 per week.

The higher discount builds on the initial ₱10-per-liter fuel subsidy introduced in April, which has already benefited more than 93,000 jeepney and UV Express drivers nationwide.

Recto said the additional discount aims to ease the financial burden on transport workers as fuel prices remain volatile due to geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

During the meeting, Recto also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that assistance under the government's UPLIFT program reaches farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, construction workers, and other low-income sectors.

"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," Recto said in a statement released by the Office of the Executive Secretary.