The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has given P5,000 each to 59,149 tricycle drivers in Metro Manila under the fuel subsidy program to ease the impact of rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions. Payouts are ongoing in the National Capital Region, with Secretary Rex Gatchalian aiming to complete them today.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P5,000 each to 59,149 tricycle drivers in Metro Manila under the government's fuel subsidy program to cushion the effects of soaring oil prices driven by Middle East tensions. Payouts continue at multiple sites in the National Capital Region, including Quezon City, San Juan, Manila, Mandaluyong, and Pasay, with Secretary Rex Gatchalian targeting completion today. “Overall, we are happy and maybe you can ask the drivers if they are happy. But the goal of the DSWD is to finish by (today),” Gatchalian said during a visit to a payout site in Quezon City. Beneficiaries like driver Rexson Mape welcomed the aid: “This is a big help, especially to us tricycle drivers. Instead of having something for our family, our earnings go to gasoline. The P5,000 is a big boost for us.” Authorities noted that 40 to 50 percent of drivers' earnings go to gasoline. Beneficiaries were identified from local government unit records for faster rollout. Gatchalian warned against individuals charging a P500 “processing fee,” emphasizing that aid is free. The Philippine National Police deployed officers at sites nationwide, as stated by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., to deter scammers. The program will expand next week to TNVS drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, jeepney operators, and delivery riders, aiming to reach 139,000 drivers before Holy Week, including those outside Metro Manila.