The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is implementing a multi-pronged relief package to counter soaring fuel prices, including reductions in airport and port charges and toll discounts.
The agency said these measures follow President Marcos’ directive to curb operating expenses and ease the burden on consumers by lowering fares and commodity prices.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to reduce Passenger Service Charges (PSC) and airport navigation charges at all CAAP-operated airports to help lower airline operating costs.
The government continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with the aviation industry to ensure that air travel remains safe, reliable, and affordable for the public.
The DOTr is also reducing port charges to support shipping companies and prevent fare hikes in the maritime sector. Toll operators have agreed to provide discounts for provincial buses and trucks transporting essential goods, providing relief to the logistics and transport industries.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives held a briefing with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies to review measures protecting the agriculture sector from potential fallout from Middle East tensions.
The briefing, conducted by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Quezon 1st District Rep. Mark Enverga under the leadership of Speaker Faustino G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, focused on contingency plans to support farmers, stabilize food supply chains, and manage possible price increases.
Enverga said, “These are not abstract risks—they have direct and immediate consequences on food production, prices, and the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.”
Lawmakers raised concerns over fertilizer availability and costs, noting that disruptions along key routes like the Strait of Hormuz could affect farm productivity. They stressed the need for timely and targeted assistance to farmers and fisherfolk as rising input costs and fuel prices strain operations.
Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro said tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States are already affecting global energy and trade markets.
“The prices of oil and fertilizers have risen considerably. This will affect the global agricultural supply and disrupt international trade,” Navarro said.
Assistant Secretary U-Nichols Manalo outlined the government’s response, anchored on direct financial support and fuel subsidies. About 4.17 million farmers and fisherfolk are expected to benefit from the P10-billion Presidential
Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program under the 2026 budget, receiving roughly P2,325 each. Rice farmers will get aid through digital transfers, while others will be served via distribution caravans.
Manalo said fuel support includes P5,000 per farmer and P3,000 per fisher, highlighting the sector’s exposure to global oil price fluctuations, as the country requires over 505 million liters of fuel annually for key agricultural commodities.
Enverga said lawmakers will continue assessing whether interventions are sufficient to protect farmers, fisherfolk, and food supply.
