With the continuous rise of fuel prices nationwide, the Department of Budget and Management on Friday said that it has fast-tracked the release of fuel subsidies for public transport drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk.
The bureau released P2.49 billion to the Department of Transportation (DoTr)’s fuel subsidy program for tricycle and PUV drivers, while another P18.65 billion was dispersed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for additional support for the nation’s infrastructure sector.
The public works agency was also given an additional P324.36 million to settle obligations from foreign-assisted projects, ensuring on-time completion.
“Every peso we release is meant to ease a burden, sustain a livelihood, or keep a service running for our people—especially at a time when global events beyond our control are affecting daily life here at home,” DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo said.
With the release of additional subsidies, the DBM has noted that the additional assistance is not a “new or unplanned” expenditure but instead is based on existing appropriations and allotments that were previously approved under the department’s 2025 budget.
“It is important to note that the fuel subsidy program is trigger-based—it can only be implemented once specific conditions are met, particularly when the average price of crude oil in the world market exceeds $80 per barrel,” it added.
On Mar. 17, the government began handing out a one-time cash assistance of P5,000 to around 139,000 tricycle drivers based in Metro Manila under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
Meanwhile, PUV drivers will also receive their own share of P5,000 cash assistance under the same program in April.
The Department of Agriculture will also provide P2,350 in aid to farmers, with an additional P3,000 in fuel subsidies. Fishermen will also receive the same amount, with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources providing P3,000 in fuel subsidy.
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