Philippines Reviews Doubling Fuel Subsidy for Public Utility Vehicles

Malacañang on Tuesday said it is reviewing a proposal to increase the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers from P10 to P20 per liter, while urging transport groups to continue engaging the government instead of staging another transport strike. At a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the recommendation submitted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is under discussion by the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the government's economic team. “Sa ngayon ay pinag-uusapan po. Nakausap po natin mismo si Secretary Banoy at mayroon po siyang pakikipagpulong sa Office of the Executive Secretary para pag-usapan po ang mga detalye patungkol dito,” Castro said, referring to Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. (It is currently under discussion. We spoke with Secretary Banoy [Lopez], who is meeting with the Office of the Executive Secretary to discuss the details.) Castro said the existing P10-per-liter fuel subsidy will remain in effect until the end of August while the proposal is being reviewed. “Pero sa ngayon po ay patuloy pa rin po, extended po hanggang katapusan ng August ang P10-per-liter fuel discount or subsidy.” (For now, the P10-per-liter fuel discount or subsidy remains extended until the end of August.) She said Malacañang would announce its decision once the concerned agencies complete their discussions. Asked whether the government has sufficient funds should the proposed increase be approved, Castro said the Palace would seek details from the concerned agencies. Meanwhile, Castro appealed to transport group Manibela to continue engaging the government through dialogue instead of pushing through with its planned transport strike. “Muli, ang nais ng gobyerno, ang nais ng pamahalaan ay pag-uusap, negosasyon, makita kung ano ang daing.” (Once again, what the government wants is dialogue and negotiation to better understand the concerns being raised.) She said a transport strike would only inconvenience commuters. “Kung mayroon mang magkakaroon ng transport rally, hindi po kasi ito ang tugon, hindi ito ang sagot sa mga ganitong klaseng issue dahil mas mahihirapan lang din po ang ating mga commuters sa gagawing ganitong klaseng aksiyon.” (If there will be a transport strike, that is not the solution because it will only make life more difficult for commuters.) Castro added that while the government respects the right to protest, it believes peaceful dialogue is the better way to resolve issues affecting the transport sector. “Kayo naman po ay nadidinig ng gobyerno. Mas maganda na magkaroon ng matahimik, maayos na diyalogo.” (The government is listening to you. It would be better to have a peaceful and orderly dialogue.) She also assured the public that the government is prepared to respond if Manibela pushes through with its planned strike to minimize its impact on commuters. — MCG, GMA News