Around 14,000 transport drivers in Manila are set to receive a P5,000 fuel subsidy, as part of the national government’s assistance program for sectors affected by the ongoing global oil crisis.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said the beneficiaries in the city include about 13,000 tricycle drivers and more than 1,000 jeepney drivers who are struggling with rising fuel prices.
The subsidy is part of the directive of President Marcos to provide immediate financial relief to drivers of public utility vehicles affected by the spike in global oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Domagoso said the distribution of the assistance will be coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units to ensure faster and more organized delivery of the aid.
Tricycle drivers are expected to receive the subsidy first, as they can be easily identified through the lists submitted by local government units.
The Manila local government said it will continue working with national agencies to ensure that transport workers in the capital receive timely assistance amid the continuing global oil crisis.