P5,000-fuel subsidy for jeepney, tricycle drivers to roll out next week
Motorists line up at a gasoline station along Intramuros in Manila on Monday, March 9, 2026, a day before the implementation of staggered fuel price adjustments. (John Louie Abrina)
President Marcos has ordered the immediate distribution of a P5,000 fuel subsidy for public utility drivers affected by rising oil prices amid ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the financial assistance will be distributed starting next week to help ease the burden on jeepney and tricycle drivers.
To speed up the implementation, Recto convened Metro Manila mayors on Wednesday, March 11, to coordinate the distribution of the subsidy.
“Bilang mayors, kayo ang higit na nakakaalam sa tunay na sitwasyon at bilang ng mga tricycle at jeepney drivers sa inyong mga lungsod (As mayors, you know best the real situation and the number of tricycle and jeepney drivers in your cities),” he said.
“Kaya mahalaga ang ating pagtutulungan. Sa mabuting koordinasyon at sabayang pagkilos, mas mabilis nating maipaparating ang tulong sa bawat driver na nangangailangan (That is why our cooperation is important. With good coordination and joint action, we can deliver assistance faster to every driver who needs it),” he added.
The distribution of the fuel subsidy will begin in Metro Manila next week, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
After the rollout in the capital region, the program will be expanded to other regions across the country.
The subsidy is part of the President’s directive to provide immediate relief and protect the livelihoods of sectors directly affected by the spike in oil prices.
National government agencies will coordinate with local government units to ensure that the assistance is distributed quickly, efficiently, and directly to qualified drivers.
President Marcos earlier said he would certify as urgent a proposed emergency powers bill aimed at enabling the government to respond quickly to spikes in global oil prices brought about by the tension in the Middle East.
He added that the Philippines is looking for alternative oil suppliers to ensure a stable fuel supply amid global market uncertainty.