Marcos OKs P10/liter fuel aid for PUVs

The national government is rolling out a temporary fuel subsidy program to cushion public transport operators and commuters from the impact of surging oil prices, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announcing support of ₱10 per liter for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

In a video message on Thursday, the President said the subsidy will run for up to three months and will cover as much as 150 liters of fuel per vehicle each week.

The initial phase of the program is set to begin next week in Metro Manila, with implementation starting along Commonwealth Avenue before expanding to other key thoroughfares such as Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, E. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway.

To ensure proper implementation, the subsidy will be distributed through accredited gasoline stations under the supervision of the Department of Energy, which will monitor transactions to prevent abuse.

“Mahalaga ito dahil hindi lang transport cost ang tinutugunan natin. Pinipigilan din natin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at iba pang pangunahing bilihin (This is important because we are not only addressing transport costs. We are also preventing increases in the prices of food and other essential goods),” Marcos said.

The initiative comes as part of the government’s broader response to a declared energy emergency triggered by rising global oil prices. Supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, including those affecting the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed fuel costs higher in recent weeks.

Marcos emphasized that the intervention is meant to shield both transport workers and the riding public from the cascading effects of expensive fuel.

Prior to this, the government had implemented a fuel cash subsidy program and is currently studying potential adjustments to fuel excise taxes in a bid to further ease pump prices.