Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. on Sunday batted for the early release of the government’s P2.5-billion fuel cash subsidy to public transport drivers following a series of increases in the pump prices of gasoline and diesel.
“Assuming the conditions that will trigger the grant of the subsidy have already been met, then we see no reason for any holdups in the distribution of the cash aid,” he said.
Campos, vice chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, said the 2024 General Appropriations Act clearly provides that the subsidy may be given as soon as the price of Dubai crude oil reaches $80 a barrel for 30 days.”
Upon President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative, Campos said Congress had shortened the trigger period for the award of the subsidy “precisely to give immediate economic relief to public utility vehicle drivers, including taxi, tricycle, full-time ride-hailing and delivery service drivers.”
“In previous budget laws, the price of Dubai crude oil had to stay at or above $80 per barrel for 90 days before the subsidy would be granted,” he added.
The Department of Budget and Management earlier said the P2.5 billion subsidy for the transport sector affected by rising fuel prices program had already been released to the Department of Transportation.
Based on previous distributions under the program, modern jeepney and UV Express drivers received P10,000 in cash assistance.
Drivers of buses, minibuses, school buses, taxis, traditional jeepneys and ride-hailing services received P6,500 in cash aid.
Delivery riders and tricycle drivers received P1,200 and P1,000, respectively.
This far, the per liter pump prices of gasoline and diesel have increased by P9.30 and P6.05, respectively.