By el Amigo
MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday (06 Aug 2026) assured transport workers that the government is taking steps to address their concerns over rising fuel prices, including improving access to fuel subsidies.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration is looking into issues raised by transport groups, particularly the limited number of participating gasoline stations where public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers can claim the discounted fuel.
Her statement came after transport group MANIBELA described the expanded fuel discount program as only a “temporary relief,” saying many drivers are still forced to buy fuel at regular pump prices because accredited stations remain scarce.
“Lahat iyan ay tinutugunan ng ating pamahalaan at sa lahat ng kanilang mga concerns ay makakaabot ito para matugunan nang mas mabilis kung ano iyong mga lugar na dapat pa na magkaroon ng mga gasoline stations na magbibigay ng fuel subsidy,” Castro said.
According to Castro, the increase in the fuel subsidy from P10 to P12 per liter is expected to provide additional financial relief to transport workers.
“Sa ganito na P2 ang increase from P10 to P12 – ito ay makakapagbigay na rin ng ginhawa sa ating mga kababayan, sa transport sector dahil itinaas nga natin sa PhP12 kada litro. So, P1,108 kada linggo ang tulong ng gobyerno o P7,200 kada buwan ang maaari nilang ma-save o kitain sa pamamagitan ng fuel subsidy na ibinigay ng gobyerno,” she said.
Castro also said the government has initially allocated P400 million to support the expanded fuel discount program.
The enhanced subsidy will take effect on August 15 and will continue for as long as transport workers require government assistance, she added.
elamigo/xf
