Government Distributes P5,000 Fuel Aid to Public Transport Drivers

Over a thousand tricycle drivers in Metro Manila received P5,000 each as part of the government’s fuel assistance program, aimed at easing the impact of rising oil prices triggered by the Middle East conflict. President Marcos led the rollout in Sta. Mesa, Manila, accompanied by Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

“This has now begun for all transport workers. Everyone in the sector will get aid to help cope with rising prices,” Marcos said. The first batch included 550 tricycle drivers in District 4. The program also covers ride-hailing motorcycles and cars, taxis, jeepneys, and buses, with plans to expand nationwide by April.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announced a “Libreng Sakay” program, which will provide free rides on government and contracted buses, and possibly extend local free bus services. Lawmakers are also moving to give the President authority to suspend excise taxes on fuel, potentially lowering pump prices by ₱6 to ₱10 per liter.

Transport workers expressed mixed reactions. Some, like taxi driver Rizalde Nonoso, voiced skepticism about aid reaching beneficiaries without safeguards, while others hoped assistance would finally reach long-neglected drivers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture confirmed that four million farmers and fisherfolk will receive P2,325 each in May under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) and the Fuel Assistance Project, helping rural communities cope with rising production costs due to global oil price surges.