Over P60 Billion Allotted Until End Of 2026 For Middle East Crisis Response – Marcos

The government has allotted over P60 billion until the end of the year for various programs that would help sectors severely affected by rising fuel prices brought by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, President Marcos announced on Monday, July 27.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos Filipinos continued to feel the impact of the war between the US and Iran which broke out five months ago.

“Hanggang kailangan, asahan ninyo na hindi titigil ang pagsuporta ng pamahalaan. Naglaan tayo ng mahigit P60 bilyong piso para dito, hanggang sa katapusan ng taon (The government will continue to assist you as long as you need it. We allocated more than P60 billion for this until the end of the year),” Marcos said in his nearly one-and-half hour address.

Marcos enumerated the assistance provided to vulnerable groups, especially the transport sector.

 “Ang sektor ng transportasyon ang pinakamatinding tinamaan ng epekto ng krisis. Tsuper, operator, pasahero, manggagawa, o negosyo man — lahat ay umaray sa matarik na pagtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo (The transport sector is the one severely affected by the crisis. Drivers, operators, commuters, workers, and even businesses—everyone was felt the pain of the steep climb of fuel prices),” he said.

Marcos cited the cash relief provided to public utility vehicle drivers, including those working in the transport network vehicle service or TNVS sector, provided under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, and P10 per liter fuel subsidy for PUVs.

Marcos also mentioned the “Libreng Sakay :(free rides) and the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s Service Contracting Program (SCP).

Under the SCP, the government pays PUV operators or drivers per kilometer traveled, regardless of passenger count.

 Busway drivers receive P100 per kilometer, city buses P82, modern jeepneys P40, and traditional jeepneys P30.

In return, commuters get a 20 percent fare discount, with up to 40 percent for students, seniors and persons with disabilities.

The President likewise cited the support provided to almost two million farmers and fisherfolk, as well as the waiving of toll and port fee to ease food transport costs.

“Ang pondo na naisalba natin na balak ibulsa ng mga tiwaling opisyal, ay sa taumbayan natin ibinubuhos (The funds we saved—which corrupt officials had intended to pocket—are being poured back into the service of our people),” he said.

Marcos said the government also continues to coordinate and work with other nations to ensure safety of Filipinos in the Middle East.

He added the government also engaged with Iran regarding the safety of the thousands of Filipino crew members currently in the Strait of Hormuz.