Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the government to immediately release fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk as oil prices rise due to the Middle East conflict.
Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, P75 million each was allotted for farmers through the Department of Agriculture and for fisherfolk through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Gatchalian said the funds remain unused and can be released as a continuing budget.
Additional assistance may also come from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, he added.
“A timely release of the subsidy would provide immediate financial relief to the country’s most vulnerable sectors,” the senator said.
Gatchalian noted that helping farmers and fisherfolk would also help stabilize the supply and prices of basic food commodities.IMT
