139,000 Tricycle Drivers To Start Receiving P5,000 Cash Aid Today, March 17 – Marcos

President Marcos announced on Monday, March 16, several measures aimed at easing the impact of oil price shocks caused by the Middle East conflict, including the giving of financial aid to public transport drivers which starts today, March 17, and the lowering of aviation-related fees.

In a video statement, Marcos said some 139,000 tricycle drivers in 17 Metro Manila areas would receive P5,000 cash relief from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) today.

“The DSWD will then distribute (cash aid) to tricycle drivers outside Metro Manila. In the succeeding days, it will be the turn of jeepney and TNVS (transport network vehicle services) drivers to receive P5,000 cash relief assistance,” the President said in Filipino.

Marcos said the transportation department would release the fuel subsidy for vulnerable sectors in the last week of March.

“Aside from that, I already certified as urgent the bills reducing the excise tax on petroleum products and amending the Biofuels Act so we can use the cheaper bioethanol,” he added.

Marcos said the giving of free rides in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao under the Libreng Sakay Program would continue.

To ensure enough food supply, Marcos said the agriculture department would provide P3,000 fuel subsidy to more than 26,000 farmers.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, meanwhile, will distribute on Thursday, March 19, P3,000 fuel subsidy to over 26,000 fisherfolk.

The agriculture department will also aim to distribute more than P2,000 assistance from the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program in April.

Marcos also noted that the administration started implementing the Local Government Support Fund last March. He said local governments that received the aid can use it to buy rice they can distribute to their constituents.

“I appeal to the local governments to ensure that no pass through fee will be charged. I received information that a few barangays are still charging per sack of play and vehicle,” Marcos said.

“I hope you will stop this because its only effect is raise the prices of goods... We are working to protect consumers without causing business losses.”

Marcos said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines would also reduce the passenger service charge, landing fee, parking fee and other fees to help reduce costs incurred by airlines and passengers.

The Civil Aeronautics Board shortened the duration of the review of fuel surcharge from one month to 15 days, he added. The measure will help adjust passenger fares faster once the prices of jet fuel changes.

Marcos ordered agencies to review their rules on licenses, permits, clearance and certification and determine which requirements can be suspended and what charges can be lowered.

Marcos gave assurance that measures are being undertaken to ensure that the costs of education would not increase. He noted that feed and contributions are still not allowed in public schools, especially during graduation.

The education department, Marcos said, would begin its service fair on March 25 to allow high school students and graduates to apply for jobs.

“To my countrymen, now more than ever, we need to help each other. No one will be left behind as we face this challenge. Expect us to continue undertaking steps to ease the effects of the developments in the Middle East,” the Chief Executive said.