With rising fuel prices, the government continues to provide financial assistance to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs).
A news release from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (March 24) visited the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to personally oversee the initial rollout of fuel subsidies for PUVs and ensure that the distribution process is smooth and well-organized.
“Nandito ako para tiyakin na ‘yung aming ginagawa na fuel subsidy ay maayos kasi mag-start tayo today. Pero hindi lamang dito sa Metro Manila, pero all over the country na ito,” the President said as he addressed at least 27 bus operators who received the subsidy through checks.
The initiative is part of the ₱2.5-billion allocation for PUVs under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Fuel Subsidy Project.
Under the program, bus operators will receive ₱10,000 per unit, while drivers are entitled to ₱5,000 each.
President Marcos said the subsidies will be released through various channels — including checks, fuel cards, cash, and direct transfers to bank or e-wallet accounts — to ensure all beneficiaries receive the assistance efficiently.
“Tulungan ninyo naman kami para ‘yung mga ating riding public ay hindi masyadong mahirapan, at hindi sila masyadong mabigatan sa pamasahe dahil nga alam naman natin kung ano ‘yung pangyayari – nagbabago ‘yung presyo ng langis all over the world,” the President said.
The Chief Executive stressed the importance of cooperation between the government and the private sector in managing the impact of fluctuating oil prices.
President Marcos also encouraged transport operators to provide feedback on how to further improve the system to benefit both operators and the riding public.
“Kung palagay namin ay kaya naming gawin para pagandahin pa ang sistema, please tell us. Dahil ang gusto natin is as convenient as possible, as easy as possible, at as quick – ‘yung mabilis as possible,” President Marcos said.
“Thank you all for being part of the solution at patuloy nating gagawin ito hanggat kailangan,” the President added.
The program covers a wide range of transport sectors, including jeepneys, buses, taxis, UV Express units, Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), tricycles, and delivery services.
More than 245,000 drivers and operators of over 1.18 million vehicles are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Distribution for major PUVs has begun, while assistance for tricycle and delivery-service drivers is scheduled after Holy Week.
For drivers, subsidies will be distributed via e-wallet platforms such as GCash or Maya, with the government shouldering transaction fees to ensure recipients receive the full amount.
The measure is intended to support transport workers whose incomes have been severely affected by rising fuel costs.
Recent reports indicated that some drivers have temporarily stopped operating due to higher expenses, while certain bus companies have reduced their trips.
In addition to the fuel subsidy, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program for selected transport sectors in Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, fare discounts remain in place for rail commuters using LRT-2 and MRT-3, with senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students continuing to receive a 50% discount.
Commuters can also avail of the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program, which has been implemented since July 2025 in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.