MANILA – The government on Tuesday began distributing PHP5,000 fuel subsidies to tricycle drivers in Metro Manila, with Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leading the initial payout to help ease the burden of rising fuel costs.
The President attended the distribution event at ASAC Covered Court in Sta. Mesa, where financial assistance was handed to drivers affected by the continued increase in petroleum prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In a media interview after the activity, Marcos said approximately 30,000 drivers received aid during the first day of the program.
He explained that the subsidy rollout is part of the government’s immediate response to the sharp increase in fuel prices, which has placed additional strain on the transport sector.
Authorities are prioritizing tricycle drivers in the first stage of the program, while jeepney drivers and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers will be included in the succeeding phases.
Marcos noted that the government is still finalizing the list of TNVS beneficiaries, while jeepney drivers are expected to receive their subsidies within the week or early next week.
Figures from the Office of the Executive Secretary indicate that the first batch of payouts aims to reach about 135,196 tricycle drivers.
The subsidy funds were taken from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
To identify recipients, the DSWD collaborated with the Department of Transportation and local government units.
Designated payout sites were set up across Metro Manila to facilitate faster distribution and minimize disruptions to the drivers’ daily operations.
According to the DSWD, the subsidy release will be carried out over three days to ensure smooth implementation while allowing drivers to continue working.
elamigo/xf
