P7 billion fuel subsidies urged for drivers, fisherfolk, farmers

MANILA, Philippines — In light of successive oil price hikes, it would be best if the government tries to raise about P7 billion in direct fuel subsidies to help public transport drivers, fisherfolk and farmers, an opposition leader suggested yesterday.

“Our public utility vehicle and ride-hailing drivers, along with delivery service riders, deserve highly improved financial support to help them cope with the persistent burden of high fuel prices,” House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan said.

The congressman from party-list 4Ps also proposed that “fuel subsidies to public transport drivers should be enlarged to P5 billion, while the combined aid to fisherfolk and farmers should be increased to P2 billion.”

“We should give more cash to vulnerable households that tend to be more efficient in spending money compared to government agencies,” Libanan said.

Senators earlier blamed “underspending” by large government agencies for the country’s slower than expected economic growth of 4.6 percent in the second quarter.

In the 2024 National Expenditure Program, the government plans to spend another P3.5 billion in fuel subsidies.

The P3.5 billion is broken down into P2.5 billion for public transport drivers coursed through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), plus P1 billion for fisherfolk and corn farmers coursed through the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DOTr earlier said it plans to release by the end of August the fuel subsidies to PUV drivers that is being funded by this year’s national budget.

Modern jeepney and UV Express drivers are expected to receive P10,000 each while drivers of other modes of public transport would receive P6,500.

Delivery riders and tricycle drivers would receive P1,200 and P1,000, respectively.

Distribute fuel subsidy ASAP

At the Senate, Sen. Grace Poe reiterated her call to the executive department to suspend the excise tax on fuel and petroleum products until prices stabilize and immediately distribute fuel subsidy.

“We understand that the increase in fuel prices will add to the pain of our drivers and operators. If the fare is increased, it will also be a hardship for the passengers. Can passengers cope with fare increase even though the minimum fare was raised just last year?” Poe said.

Poe said both the Department of Transportation and LTFRB must look at other alternatives to help both the PUV sector and commuters. Since it is a provisional issue, maybe the government should also exhaust provisional remedies, she said.

“We are also renewing our call to the executive department, particularly to the Department of Finance, to suspend the excise tax on fuel and petroleum products until prices stabilize. I file it every Congress and will do so again in the future if necessary,” she added.