MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, April 9, announced the rollout of an expanded service contracting program and fuel subsidy to support public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers struggling with high fuel prices.

In a video message, Marcos said the program will begin on Wednesday, April 15.

Under the initiative, PUV operators and drivers will receive additional payments ranging from P40 to P100 per kilometer, on top of their regular income from passenger fares. Commuters, meanwhile, will benefit from at least a 20% fare discount.

The subsidy will be initially rolled out in key areas of Metro Manila, starting along Commonwealth Avenue and expanding to major roads such as Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, A. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway in the succeeding days.

According to Marcos, the route of the service contracting program will focus on areas connected to rail lines and major bus routes to ensure more efficient and reliable travel.

The program will also be implemented in other parts of the country, but Marcos did not specify targets.

Alongside the program, the government will provide a fuel subsidy of P10 per liter for PUVs, capped at 150 liters per week for three months.

The fuel subsidy will be available only at accredited gasoline stations monitored by the Department of Energy to ensure proper implementation.

Marcos said the combined measures are intended to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on both commuters and transport workers, while helping prevent increases in the cost of food and other essential goods.

The service contracting program will be implemented during off-peak hours. Participating vehicles will also be equipped with GPS monitoring systems to ensure compliance and improve service delivery.

Based on Marcos’ estimate, the program is expected to benefit around 50,000 PUVs, 1,000 operators, and up to 15 million passengers.

The Marcos administration initially rolled out a P5,000 cash aid for PUV drivers in March in response to the rising fuel prices. Drivers, however, said that the cash assistance is not enough.

A fare hike was initially scheduled for March, but Marcos ordered it suspended a day before its implementation.

Since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, fuel prices in the Philippines have doubled.

– Rappler.com