President Bongbong Marcos Jr. launched programs including a fuel subsidy and a service contracting scheme to support public utility vehicle drivers and operators amid rising petroleum prices due to Middle East conflicts.
On April 9, 2026, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced several initiatives aimed at aiding drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) faced with soaring petroleum prices triggered by unrest in the Middle East. Among the measures is a fuel subsidy providing PHP 10 off per liter, capped at 150 liters weekly, initially rolled out in Metro Manila for three months. The subsidy will expand progressively across key routes and eventually nationwide.
Additionally, a service contracting program will compensate PUV drivers and operators PHP 40 to PHP 100 per kilometer. Passengers will benefit from at least a 20% fare discount. Scheduled to begin on April 15 under the Department of Transportation, the program targets 50,000 vehicles, 1,000 operators, and approximately 15 million passengers nationwide.
This scheme will operate mainly during off-peak hours to ensure commuter availability even outside rush hours. GPS tracking will be mandatory for participating vehicles to monitor trips and service quality. The subsidy aims to ensure fuel assistance reaches legitimate gasoline stations monitored by the Department of Energy, preventing abuse. This initiative responds to complaints by drivers regarding diminished earnings due to recent substantial fuel price hikes.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/balita/983281/marcos-inanunsyo-ang-p10-per-liter-fuel-subsidy-at-p40-p100-per-km-service-contracting-program-pa/story/