In a decisive move to protect the transport sector from volatile global oil prices, the Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a comprehensive fuel subsidy program for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers.
This “whole-of-government” initiative is a synchronized effort between the DOE, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Land Bank of the Philippines.
The program is designed to provide immediate liquidity to the nation’s PUV drivers, who are often the hardest hit by fluctuating pump prices. Under the new guidelines, qualified beneficiaries will receive:
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₱10 Discount per Liter: A significant reduction on the retail price of diesel.
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150-Liter Weekly Cap: Drivers can avail of the discount for up to 150 liters per week.
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₱1,500 Weekly Savings: This equates to an estimated monthly overhead reduction of ₱6,000, directly boosting the take-home pay of public transport workers. “Our goal is not just to provide a temporary fix, but to create a robust support system that ensures our drivers can maintain their daily income without passing the burden of high fuel costs onto the commuting public,” a DOE spokesperson stated.
To ensure the subsidy reaches the intended recipients efficiently and transparently, the partner agencies have integrated their specialized roles:
| Agency | Responsibility |
| DOE & DOTr | Policy framework and overall program oversight. |
| LTFRB | Identification and validation of qualified PUV franchise holders and drivers. |
| DICT | Development of the digital infrastructure to prevent fraud and double-claiming. |
| Land Bank | Seamless distribution of funds through modernized payment systems and fuel cards. |
By subsidizing the operating costs of PUVs, the government aims to stabilize transport fares. This intervention prevents the necessity of fare hikes, thereby protecting the purchasing power of millions of Filipino commuters who rely on jeeps, buses, and other utility vehicles for their daily mobility.
Qualified drivers are encouraged to coordinate with their respective transport cooperatives and the LTFRB to ensure their records are updated. The subsidy will be dispensed through Land Bank-issued fuel cards, which can be used at participating petroleum retail outlets nationwide.
