Non-Metro Manila drivers to receive one-time P5,000 fuel subsidy after Holy Week

Local

PUBLIC utility vehicle drivers and operators outside Metro Manila will begin receiving a one-time P5,000 fuel subsidy after Holy Week as the government expands assistance to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the next phase of payouts will extend beyond the capital region once beneficiary records are finalized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Sa ngayon po, nag-first rollout na po ang fuel subsidy for almost 139,000 para sa mga tricycle drivers sa Metro Manila katulad ng ating binanggit; ang susunod po na payouts para sa 261,156 TNVS drivers, motorcycle-taxi drivers, bus drivers and jeepney drivers sa Metro Manila,”

Castro said in a press briefing in Mandaue City on Tuesday, March 17

“Atin din pong nadinig si Secretary Rex Gatchalian na after Holy Week ay masisimulan po ang pagbibigay naman po ng ayuda sa labas po ng Metro Manila. Inaayos lamang po ang records ng mga beneficiaries at pina-finalize po ng DSWD, DOTr at LTFRB,” she added.

The nationwide rollout follows the initial distribution in Metro Manila, where tricycle drivers were among the first to receive assistance. The expanded program aims to cover nearly 400,000 PUV drivers as fuel prices continue to rise amid tensions in the Middle East.

In media reports on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the subsidy, implemented under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, aims to ease the burden of rising fuel costs on beneficiaries.

He said the program seeks to include drivers across all types of public transport, covering those operating vehicles of different sizes as long as they are engaged in public service.

He added that the initiative reflects the President’s priority to immediately assist drivers affected by the Middle East conflict, which prompted the swift rollout of the transport aid.

Recto said full nationwide distribution is expected by April once the beneficiary list is completed.

In Region 7

In Central Visayas, more than 26,000 PUV drivers and operators in Cebu are set to benefit from the program.

LTFRB data showed 26,833 transport workers in the province—including jeepney, bus, taxi, and transport network vehicle service drivers—are eligible for the subsidy.

Each qualified beneficiary will receive a one-time P5,000 payout, either through fuel cards or direct cash transfers, depending on existing accounts.

Officials said drivers who are also operators may receive both subsidies under current guidelines, while informal transport workers such as habal-habal drivers may seek assistance through the AICS program.

The fuel subsidy forms part of a broader government response to rising fuel costs. Authorities are also preparing additional support measures, including rice assistance for vulnerable sectors and fuel aid for farmers and fisherfolk.

The program is funded under the 2026 national budget, with P2.5 billion allocated to sustain transport operations and help ease the burden on both drivers and commuters.(MyTVCebu)