By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday assured senators that it would recommend to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the release of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers amid rising pump prices.
During a Senate hearing, DOTr Assistant Secretary Dioscoro Reyes said the agency would propose tapping the President’s contingency fund to support drivers affected by higher fuel costs.
“Gaya po ng sabi ni Senator [Sherwin] Gatchalian, we’ll probably recommend to the President the subsidy from the contingent fund (As Senator Gatchalian said, we will likely recommend to the President the subsidy from the contingency fund),” Reyes said.
He added that the recommendation would be submitted immediately after the hearing.
Gatchalian earlier raised concerns over the impact of rising fuel prices on drivers’ income, noting that pump prices have increased by around 15 to 17 percent since February, while fares have yet to be adjusted.
“So in the meantime na tumaas ang gasoline by let’s say 17 percent at ang pamasahe nag-stagnate, eh di kawawa ‘yung mga tsuper (If gasoline prices rise by around 17 percent while fares remain unchanged, drivers will suffer),” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian said the fuel subsidy program was designed to serve as a “shock absorber” for drivers during periods of high oil prices, and proposed tapping contingency funds while Congress works on amending the law that currently requires global oil prices to average USD80 per barrel for one month before subsidies can be released.
The DOTr said it is coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Finance on possible funding sources, noting that around PHP2.5 billion in fuel subsidy funds from the previous year remains available for use. (PNA)
