MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday visited the Araneta Center Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City to inspect the government’s Service Contracting Program (SCP) under the Department of Transportation.
The program, led by the DOTr and the LTFRB, gives financial assistance to public utility vehicle operators such as jeepneys, buses, and UV Express units in exchange for following designated routes, maintaining operations, and offering discounted fares to passengers.
The initiative aims to keep public transport running smoothly while helping commuters cope with rising fuel costs caused by tensions in the Middle East.
Marcos said the government will continue supporting the transport sector and the riding public as long as fuel prices remain high.
About 20,000 PUV units are expected to participate in the program nationwide.
Operators may receive subsidies ranging from PHP30 to PHP100 per kilometer, aside from their regular fare income. Passengers will benefit from a 20 percent discount, while senior citizens, students, and PWDs will get up to 40 percent off.
The President also said the government is monitoring the situation in the Middle East, especially its impact on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are being assisted through repatriation and livelihood programs when needed.
He added that authorities are watching global oil price movements closely and preparing additional measures to reduce their impact on Filipinos.
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