Senator Risa Hontiveros is urging the government to expand emergency cash aid to more Public Utility Vehicle (PUV)drivers and transport cooperatives, even those not classified as the “poorest of the poor,” as fuel costs continue to bite.
In a March 19 letter, Hontiveros asked the Department of Budget and Management to clarify how the P30-billion fund under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s AICS program can be used to help transport workers hit by the oil crisis.
A review showed drivers are losing over P1,000 daily per vehicle despite fuel subsidies, while transport coops struggle to keep fleets running, leading to reduced operations.
“Hirap kumita at baon na sa utang ang ating mga tsuper… Huwag nating hintayin na maparalisa ang buong public transport system bago tayo tumulong,” said Hontiveros.
She also warned that without clear aid mechanisms, the country risks a “paralysis” of public transport, noting coops are currently not covered by assistance.
The senator is also pushing a P52.8-billion supplemental budget, including P12 billion in transport subsidies for PUV drivers, delivery riders, and TNVS operators, partly funding programs under the Department of Transportation.IMT
