Starting August 15, jeepney and UV Express drivers will receive an increased fuel discount of ₱12 per liter, up from the current ₱10, as part of expanded state relief to buffer the transport sector against escalating oil prices.
The enhanced subsidy responds to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to step up support for key sectors hit by global petroleum spikes linked to ongoing Middle East tensions. Under the expanded setup, qualified public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers stand to save up to ₱1,800 weekly.
The original ₱10-per-liter discount, rolled out in April, has provided financial relief to over 93,000 PUV drivers across the country.
The adjusted rate was finalized during an August 4 meeting at Malacañang led by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto and attended by key Cabinet members.
Discussions centered on measures to protect the economy, temper inflation and cushion vulnerable industries from Middle East conflict spillovers.
Beyond boosting fuel subsidies, Recto ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to guarantee prompt distribution of aid under the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program. The package targets farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, construction laborers and low-income families.
“Gaya ng inaasahan, patuloy na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang epekto ng kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan. Dapat tuloy ang trabaho, tuloy ang ayuda, at ramdam ng bawat sektor ang presensya at malasakit ng gobyerno,” Recto said.
President Marcos earlier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting sectors most affected by global economic pressures, particularly the transportation and agriculture industries.
The Malacañang meeting was attended by Budget Secretary Kim de Leon, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. and Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro.