To shield the Filipino public from the economic impact of global oil price hikes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the rollout of a comprehensive nationwide transport assistance package.
Starting April 15, the initiative will provide substantial fuel subsidies for drivers and significant fare discounts for millions of commuters.
The measure was finalized following a meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee, which convened to address domestic inflation and the volatility of fuel prices triggered by recent developments in the Middle East.
The government’s strategy focuses on two primary pillars: supporting the livelihoods of transport workers and reducing the daily expenses of the riding public.
1. Service contracting program (SCP)
Under this program, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will provide direct payments to Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers.
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Payouts: Drivers will receive between ₱40 to ₱100 per kilometer traveled, acting as a guaranteed income top-up in addition to regular fare collections.
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Operational Scope: The program covers approximately 50,000 PUVs and 1,000 operators, benefiting an estimated 15 million passengers nationwide.
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Efficiency Measures: To ensure reliability, participating vehicles will be equipped with GPS monitoring to verify actual trips. The SCP will also focus on off-peak hours to ensure commuters have access to transportation outside of standard rush hours.
2. Commuter fare discounts
Commuters can expect at least a 20 percent discount on fares. The DOTr has strategically mapped routes to connect seamlessly with train lines and major bus corridors, aiming for faster and more reliable travel times across the country.
3. Targeted fuel subsidies
To directly lower operational costs for transport workers, the President announced a significant fuel price intervention:
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Discount: A reduction of ₱10 per liter for public utility vehicles.
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Cap: Up to 150 liters per week for a duration of three months.
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Security: Subsidies will only be honored at Department of Energy (DOE)-approved gasoline stations to prevent abuse and ensure the aid reaches legitimate beneficiaries.
The rollout will begin next week in the National Capital Region (NCR), starting along Commonwealth Avenue. Expansion will immediately follow to other major arteries, including:
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Quezon Avenue & España
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Zapote & A. Bonifacio
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Rizal Avenue & Marcos Highway
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“All our decisions are guided by a single objective—to protect the public amid ongoing challenges,” President Marcos Jr. stated. “We are ensuring that transport remains continuous and that the livelihoods of our drivers are protected. When we stabilize transport costs, we also help curb the increase in the prices of food and other basic goods.”
The administration remains committed to monitoring global energy trends and will continue to implement measures that ensure the stability of daily life for every Filipino.
