At least 27 bus operators received P10,000 in fuel aid per unit yesterday at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, led by President Marcos to counter soaring oil prices. This forms part of the Department of Transportation's P2.5 billion program for public utility vehicles.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the distribution of fuel subsidies yesterday at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, where at least 27 bus operators each received P10,000 per unit to offset rising oil prices. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has rolled out about P2.5 billion in aid for public utility vehicles (PUVs), set to benefit over 245,000 operators and drivers of more than 1.18 million units. Aid amounts vary by transport sector and are delivered via checks, fuel cards, cash, or direct bank and e-wallet transfers, with the government covering transaction fees to ensure full delivery. In parallel, at the San Dionisio Sports Complex in Parañaque, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian oversaw the handover of P5,000 cash aid to transport network vehicle services under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program. The DSWD expects over 216,000 PUV drivers in Metro Manila to receive this, with expansion after Holy Week targeting about 587,000 tricycle drivers nationwide. Sen. Raffy Tulfo met on Monday with the Department of Energy, DOTr, and DSWD to address challenges from fuel price hikes, noting consumer complaints over rapid increases by oil firms on old stock, potentially abusing the Philippine Oil Deregulation Law.
