Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima is pushing for a comprehensive fuel subsidy program for vulnerable sectors whose incomes have been severely affected by rising fuel prices.
The proposed Fuel Subsidy Program Act (HB 8031)seeks to provide a monthly fuel subsidy of not less than P7,000 for public utility vehicle drivers, farmers, fisherfolks, and other low-income sectors.
“Through this bill, Filipino workers in sectors largely dependent on oil shall be provided stability in their livelihoods regardless of geopolitical developments that inevitably affect oil prices,” she said.
The measure recognizes that several government agencies, such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as well as local government units have occasionally provided fuel subsidies to affected workers, including tricycle drivers through the Pantawid Pasada Program, and farmers and fisherfolk through the Fuel Discount Program to alleviate the burden of increased oil prices.
“The temporary, or often one-time, fuel subsidy programs by these government agencies and LGUs fail to provide the affected workers the necessary assurance that they shall have the consistent support to continue in their respective livelihoods amid the rising oil prices,” De Lima pointed out.
To ensure efficiency, accountability, and transparency in distribution, HB 8031 mandates that the subsidy be directly deposited into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, she said.
“These are the kinds of programs to which our State should provide funding, instead of projects that never materialize and only benefit a few, including those who pocket kickbacks,” she stressed.
