Palace: P12 Fuel Discount for PUVs to Stay Indefinitely

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday said the P10-per-liter fuel discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs) and UV Express units will remain in effect indefinitely, as the government has yet to set an end date for the program. An additional P2 per liter discount is also scheduled to take effect. The extension aims to cushion the blow of rising fuel costs on the transportation sector and the commuting public, as the country continues to grapple with inflation. "As long as needed, it will be there," Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil told reporters when asked about the fuel subsidy program. In July, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. approved the P10-per-liter fuel discount for PUVs and UV Express units, which was initially set to expire in October. The discount was later extended until December. "The President wants to ensure that PUV drivers and operators will continue to receive support amid the volatile fuel prices," Garafil added. Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the fuel subsidy program for PUVs until December 31. "The government recognizes the challenges faced by PUV drivers and operators due to the continuous increase in fuel prices," Garafil said. "We are committed to providing them with necessary support to ensure their livelihood and the affordability of public transportation for the riding public." The fuel subsidy program is part of the government's broader economic relief measures aimed at stabilizing prices and supporting vulnerable sectors of the economy.