By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – The government will expand the fuel subsidy program for the transport sector nationwide starting April 6, Malacañang said Monday, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos administration is implementing a whole-of-government approach to ease the burden on commuters, drivers and other affected sectors.
She said nearly 100,000 tricycle drivers have already received fuel subsidies, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Sa April 6 naman magsisimula ang nationwide rollout para sa ibang transportation workers (On April 6, the nationwide rollout for other transportation workers will begin),” she added.
Farmers and fisherfolk are also set to receive fuel assistance, with an additional PHP50 million allocated to regional field offices.
Castro said the government continues to implement complementary measures, including free rides under the Love Bus program in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, as well as 50 percent fare discounts on LRT-2 and MRT-3.
The administration is also monitoring prices of basic goods, with the President assuring that commodity prices remain stable and are being sold at suggested retail prices.
“Patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng pamahalaan… upang panatilihing mababa ang presyo ng mga bilihin (The government continues to coordinate… to keep prices of goods low),” Castro said.
The Palace official added that the government is working to secure additional oil supply from partner countries and boost energy capacity, including maximizing the Malampaya gas field and bringing new power projects online.
The fuel subsidy expansion is part of broader measures to protect livelihoods and ensure economic stability amid global oil market volatility. (PNA)
