Transport Group Seeks P15/Liter Fuel Subsidy Amid Oil Price Hikes

A transport group in the Philippines is pushing for an increase in the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUVs) from P10 to P15 per liter, citing the recent surge in oil prices. The Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) expressed its preference for expanded fuel subsidies over fare hikes during a consultation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Melencio "Boy" Vargas, president of ALTODAP, stated that they were asked to choose between a P15 per liter fuel subsidy and a P1 fare increase. "If we are given a P15 fuel discount, for us, that is what we would prefer rather than the P1 [fare hike]," Vargas said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB. ALTODAP is also hoping for the nationwide expansion of the fuel subsidy program, as it is currently limited to certain areas. "All we are asking there is for it to be expanded. Since there are other places that do not have a discount, which is why we asked to make it nationwide," Vargas added. Last April, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced a P10-per-liter fuel subsidy for PUVs to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs stemming from the Middle East crisis. The subsidy was initially capped at 150 liters per week for three months and implemented first in Metro Manila. With the current jeepney minimum fare at P13, the LTFRB has indicated it will recompute appropriate fare adjustments, considering pending petitions for fare hikes from other transport groups like Manibela and PISTON. Meanwhile, another significant increase in pump prices is anticipated next week, with diesel prices expected to rise by P6 to P6.50 per liter and gasoline by P5.50 to P6.00 per liter.