Billions In Subsidies Rolled Out As Drivers Battle Fuel Price Hikes
DRIVERS – As fuel prices continue to climb, the government has stepped up efforts to support drivers heavily affected by rising costs.
The Philippine government has already disbursed an estimated ₱5 billion in aid for drivers across the country, as part of its response to the continued rise in fuel prices.
According to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, around one million drivers from various sectors have benefited from the fuel subsidy program. The assistance aims to cushion the impact of increasing petroleum costs on transport workers, many of whom rely on daily earnings.
“Ang running total natin out of we already in service one million drivers. Iba-ibang sektor na ‘yon,” said Gatchalian in an interview with the media on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The DSWD chief also revealed that government spending for the first round of the subsidy rollout is nearing ₱5 billion. Authorities are targeting to complete the initial phase before the end of the month.
“By the end of the month, we plan to finish the first round, ang total na nagagastos na ng gobyerno is close to ₱5 billion, as we speak right now,” said the DSWD Secretary.
Meanwhile, further funding is being sought to continue support for the transportation sector. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has requested an additional ₱5 billion for the second phase of its service contracting program, which provides financial assistance to public transport operators and drivers.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Vigor Mendoza II confirmed the funding request, noting that more beneficiaries are expected to be included in the next phase.
“Sa second phase, nag-request na ang DOTr ng ₱5 billion. Marami na ang masasama doon,” said Mendoza in an interview on a radio news program this Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The service contracting program, introduced under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., offers fixed payments to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers. The first phase was launched with a ₱1 billion budget, allocating ₱800 million for road transport and ₱200 million for maritime services.
Under the scheme, bus operators and drivers receive ₱100 per kilometer. Along the EDSA Busway alone, the program covers around 50 operators, 500 bus units, and approximately 300,000 daily passengers. Jeepney drivers, on the other hand, earn ₱40 per kilometer for modern units and ₱30 per kilometer for traditional jeepneys, providing much-needed financial relief amid rising operational costs.
READ ALSO: DSWD Raises Red Flag on Shocking Rise of Online Child Offers
