President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that the nationwide rollout of fuel subsidies for other members of the transportation sector will begin on April 6, in response to the continued rise in oil prices caused by the crisis in the Middle East.
In his latest vlog released Sunday, Marcos said public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers outside Metro Manila will start receiving P5,000 in cash relief assistance beginning on the said date.
The President assured that the distribution of financial aid and fuel subsidies for affected drivers will continue without interruption. He noted that as of March 20, nearly 100,000 tricycle drivers have already received fuel subsidies through the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“Ang pag-release naman ng mga iba pang mga pondo para sa mga cash relief at subsidies ay patuloy sa iba't ibang mga ahensya," Marcos said.
“Pati na rin ang nationwide rollout para sa ibang transportation sector workers na magsisimula sa April 6,” he added.
The Chief Executive also said that fuel subsidy programs for farmers and fisherfolk are being prepared.
He added that an additional P50 million has been allocated to regional field offices to support ongoing initiatives.
Marcos acknowledged that fertilizer prices remain a concern, noting their link to petroleum costs. He said the government is currently in talks with fertilizer-producing countries to address the issue.
“Fuel subsidies din ang nag-aabang para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Ongoing na talaga ang mga programa niyan," he said.
Amid protests over successive fuel price hikes, the President appealed for understanding and assured affected sectors of government support.
“Naintindihan natin ang sigaw ng mga nagpo-protesta na kababayan nating nasa sektor na ito. Pero gusto kong ulitin sa inyo, hindi kayo maiiwanan, hindi kayo pababayaan ng pamahalaan,” he said.
The President added that the government is closely monitoring the prices of basic commodities to ensure affordability for consumers.
“Sa awa naman ng Diyos, stable pa at walang namang masyadong pag-abuso. Walang nagbebenta ng higit sa suggested retail price,“ he said.
Power and oil supply
Marcos Jr. said the country’s power supply remains stable for April, but the government is already preparing for the expected higher demand from May to June.
Marcos said authorities are coordinating with power generation companies to increase grid capacity over the next 60 days to ensure sufficient electricity supply. At least 23 power projects, with a combined capacity of 900 megawatts, are expected to come online to help boost supply, he added.
The government is also continuing coordination to maximize the use of the Malampaya natural gas field at full capacity to further augment electricity generation in the coming months.
The administration is also negotiating with international partners to secure oil supply. Marcos said discussions are ongoing with countries such as India, China, Japan, Thailand, Brunei, and South Korea for possible supply arrangements.
“Maganda naman ang nagiging usapan natin. Buti na lang at talagang kinakaibigan natin sila at sila’y handang tumulong sa atin,” Marcos Jr. stated.
Repatriation
Meanwhile, Marcos also said that the government continues to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by global developments. From March 5 to March 17, more than 1,400 OFWs and 334 dependents have returned to the Philippines.
A third government-chartered flight that arrived on March 18 carried 153 OFWs, 114 dependents, and 50 stranded Filipinos.
The President further said more repatriates are expected in the coming days, with many bound for the Visayas and Mindanao. The government is providing temporary hotel accommodation and arranging connecting flights to their home provinces.
Marcos also called on the public to cooperate during the ongoing crisis brought about by rising fuel costs.
“Bawat isa sa atin ay may magagawa namang paraan para makatulong,” he said.
“Pagtitipid man, pagtulong sa kapwa o kahit sa pamamahagi ng tamang impormasyon at hindi pagkalat ng fake news,“ PBBM added.
“Huwag naman sana tayong magdagdag pa sa problema. Lahat tayo ay kailangan magtulungan,” the President added.
