President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Monday announced several government measures, including cash assistance and fuel subsidies, to help Filipinos cope with the impact of rising oil prices caused by tensions in the Middle East.
In an online video statement on March 16, Marcos said the government has begun implementing steps to reduce the burden on transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and commuters.
Starting March 17, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute P5,000 cash relief assistance to 139,000 tricycle drivers in 17 local government units in Metro Manila. The aid will later be extended to tricycle drivers outside the capital.
Jeepney and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers will also receive P5,000 cash assistance in the coming days, while the Department of Transportation is set to release fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle drivers by the last week of March.
To address high fuel costs, Marcos said he certified as urgent two proposed measures seeking to reduce excise tax on petroleum products and amend the Biofuels Act of 2006 to allow the use of cheaper bioethanol.
The government will also continue the free ride or “Libreng Sakay” program in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao to help commuters save on transportation expenses.
“Makakatulong po ito para makatipid sa pamasahe at gasolina ng taong bayan. Kaya't gamitin po ninyo ang libreng sakay sa Metro Cebu, Metro Davao at Metro Manila,” Marcos said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture will continue providing P3,000 fuel subsidies to more than 26,000 farmers, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will give the same amount to over 26,000 fisherfolk beginning March 19.
Additional financial assistance of more than P2,000 for farmers and fisherfolk will also be distributed in April under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program.
Marcos also ordered agencies to review fees related to permits, licenses, and certifications that could be temporarily reduced or suspended to ease the public’s financial burden, while reminding local government units not to impose pass-through fees on farmers transporting produce.
“Muli, nananawagan ako sa ating mga Local Government Unit na siguruhin walang nang pass-through fee na sisingilin,” the President said.
“Sana matigil na ninyo po ito dahil ang epekto lamang nito ay pinapagmamahal ang presyo ng ating mga bilihin,” he added.
He also directed the Department of Education to ensure that no additional fees are collected from students in public schools, especially during graduation season.
The President said the government will continue implementing measures to cushion the effects of the Middle East crisis on Filipinos.
“Mga kababayan, ngayon higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa. Walang iwanan, walang maiiwan sa pagharap natin sa hamong ito,” Marcos said.
“Asahan ninyo ang patuloy naming paggawa ng mga hakbang upang maibsan ang mabigat na epekto ng kaganapan sa Gitnang Silangan.”
