Senator Raffy Tulfo has called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to closely monitor the price of Dubai crude oil to ensure timely distribution of fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and riders.
Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, the fuel subsidy is triggered when the monthly average price of Dubai crude reaches $80 per barrel, as certified by the Department of Energy (DOE). As of June 26, the average stands at $78.
Tulfo stressed the urgency of action, noting recent fuel hikes of ₱2.60/liter for diesel and ₱1.75/liter for gasoline, with more increases expected.
He urged DOE and DOTr to find ways to support PUV drivers even if the $80 threshold isn’t met yet.
DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon Garin clarified their role is limited to issuing price certifications, while DOTr handles the distribution. DOTr Undersecretary Ramon Reyes confirmed they follow DOE’s lead and legal provisions.
Tulfo also appealed to major oil companies to offer temporary fuel discounts for PUV drivers.
“At kung hindi man matuloy ang rollback na inaasahan next week at patuloy ang pagtaas ng krudo, kailangang siguruhin ng DOTr na agarang maipapamahagi at hindi magkakaroon ng delay sa fuel subsidy distribution,” he said. IMT
