The government has allocated at least P400 million for a P12-per-liter fuel discount for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide to cushion the impact of persistently high oil prices, Malacañang announced on Thursday. The new subsidy takes effect on August 15.
“Sa ngayon po ay may inilaan po na 400 million pesos para sa fuel discount (For now, P400 million has been allotted for the fuel discount),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will release comprehensive details regarding the program’s implementation, including the methodology behind the P12-per-liter rate.
The new subsidy is P2 higher than the previous P10-per-liter assistance implemented from April to June. However, it falls short of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) recommendation for an additional P10-per-liter aid, which would have totaled P20 per liter. Additionally, the government has not yet determined how long the subsidy program will remain active.
While acknowledging that the P2 increase is modest, Castro emphasized that accumulated savings over time can offer meaningful relief, noting that eligible drivers could save more than P1,000 weekly.
Furthermore, authorities are currently reviewing the number of participating gasoline stations and exploring the accreditation of more establishments to improve accessibility.
Transport group MANIBELA described the expanded discount as merely a “temporary relief” due to the persistently limited number of accredited gasoline stations offering the benefit.