The Manila City Government will begin distributing ₱5,000 fuel subsidies next week to transport operators affected by rising oil prices, Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso announced during his “Talk to the People” broadcast.

The aid, part of a whole-of-nation approach under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., targets tricycle, jeepney, bus, motorcycle taxi, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers directly impacted by the oil crisis stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will coordinate with Manila’s local government to ensure timely distribution. Tricycle drivers will be the first recipients, as their records are readily available from local government lists, while TNVS drivers will be identified through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Mayor Moreno emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting transport workers in line with national directives.

In a related move, Moreno conducted a surprise inspection at a Santa Cruz gasoline station on March 12 to ensure compliance with government-mandated price adjustments.

“I will not allow abuse sa part at maapektuhan ang consumer,” he said, warning fuel retailers that operating a business in Manila is a privilege, not a right, and that non-compliance could result in sanctions.

Moreno stressed that pump prices must reflect only the approved adjustments set by the Department of Energy (DOE) and that gas station meters will be closely monitored to prevent exploitation of consumers during the ongoing fuel price surge.

“‘Pag tumaas ang dalawang piso, tumaas ang dalawang piso… walang mag-a-abuse pa, take advantage of all these things,” he said.