President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced cash assistance and fuel subsidies to cushion the impact of rising oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Starting March 17, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute P5,000 cash relief to 139,000 tricycle drivers in 17 LGUs in Metro Manila. Jeepney and TNVS drivers are also expected to receive P5,000 assistance in the coming days.
The Department of Transportation will release fuel subsidies for transport workers in the last week of March.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture will give P3,000 fuel subsidy to over 26,000 farmers, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will distribute P3,000 assistance to more than 26,000 fisherfolk starting March 19.
“Ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa. Walang iwanan, walang maiiwan sa pagharap natin sa hamong ito,” the President said.
Marcos Jr. also certified as urgent measures to reduce excise tax on petroleum products and amend the Biofuels Act to allow cheaper bioethanol, while urging LGUs to stop collecting pass-through fees that add to the cost of goods.IMT
