The Philippine government has ordered a whole-of-government effort to expedite the rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers, as well as fare discounts for commuters. The directive was issued following a meeting convened by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who instructed all concerned agencies to streamline their processes and ensure the immediate release of the assistance.
The fuel subsidy program, managed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), provides direct cash aid to qualified PUV drivers to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. Simultaneously, the government is implementing a fare discount program for passengers, particularly students and senior citizens, to ease the burden of transportation costs.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of these social protection measures as part of the government's response to economic challenges. The Palace has called for close coordination between the DOTr, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and other relevant bodies to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries promptly.
