Diokno Seeks ₱52.8B Aid for Fuel Crisis

Chel Diokno is pushing for a ₱52.8-billion supplemental budget to support farmers, transport workers, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Filed under House Bill 8495, the proposed fund aims to cushion the impact of higher transportation, food, and basic commodity costs as global oil supply faces possible disruptions.

The measure allocates ₱12 billion for fuel subsidies to transport workers, ₱2.8 billion for farmers and fisherfolk, and ₱38 billion for the repatriation and reintegration of displaced OFWs.

Diokno and his allies said current government funds are not enough to handle a prolonged crisis, noting limited budgets across key agencies.

More Aid Urged

Francis Pangilinan is also calling to increase fuel subsidies for fisherfolk, saying the current ₱3,000 assistance is no longer sufficient amid rising oil prices.

Meanwhile, Erwin Tulfo is pushing to include gasoline users in the planned suspension of fuel excise taxes to benefit millions of motorcycle riders.

Lawmakers emphasized the need for immediate and expanded government intervention as fuel-driven costs continue to rise.