Marcos announces cash aid, fuel subsidies for PUV drivers, farmers, fishers

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday announced the distribution of cash assistance and fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk to ease the effects of rising oil prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

In a video message, Marcos said the Department of Social Welfare and Development, starting Tuesday, March 17, would distribute P5,000 in cash doles to 139,000 tricycle drivers in the 17 local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR).

He said tricycle drivers outside Metro Manila, transport network vehicle service (TNVS), and jeepney drivers would receive their P5,000 cash assistance in the coming days.

“At sa huling linggo ng Marso, ilalabas na ng DOTR ang fuel subsidy,” Marcos said.

(In the last week of March, the DOTr will release the fuel subsidy.)

To ensure food supply, Marcos said P3,000 in fuel subsidy will be released to 26,000 farmers. On Thursday, March 19, P3,000 in fuel subsidy will be distributed to 26,000 fisherfolk. 
 
“Sisikapin din ng Department of Agriculture na ipamahagi sa Abril sa bawat magsasaka at mangingisda ang lagpas P2,000 tulong mula sa Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program,” Marcos said.

“Magagamit po ito ng mga magsasaka sa kanilang hanapbuhay,” he added.

(The Department of Agriculture will do its best to distribute P2,000 to farmers and fishers from the Presidential Assistance for farmers and Fisherfolk Program. They can use this for their livelihood.)

For businesses, Marcos said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines would cut its passenger service charge, landing, parking, and other fees.

“Ito ay makakatulong para bumaba ang gastos ng mga airline at ang mga pamasahe sa eroplano,” Marcos said.

(This will help bring down the expenses of airlines and airfares.)

Marcos said the Civil Aeronautics Board will shorten its review of fuel surcharge from one month to 15 days. He said this was to ensure the quick adjustment of fares whenever the cost of jet fuel changes.

“Ibig sabihin, kapag tumaas ang presyo ng jet fuel, mas kontrolado ang pagtaas ng airfare. At kapag bumaba naman ang presyo ng jet fuel, mas mabilis ding bababa ang pamasahe,” Marcos said.

(When the price of jet fuel goes up, the increase in airfare would be more controllable. When it goes down, airfare would  go down faster.)

Marcos instructed government agencies to review their regulations in giving licenses, permits, clearances, and certifications.

“Tingnan ninyo kung alin dito ang puwede munang suspendihin o 'di kaya ay babaan ang mga singil upang makabawas sa mga iniintindi ng taong-bayan,” Marcos said.

(Check which measures could be suspended or fees that could be reduced to help our countrymen.)

For the education sector, Marcos said fees and contributions remain prohibited in public schools, especially with the graduation season.

On March 25, government agencies and employers will be in schools so that high school students and graduates may apply for employment and get easier access to clearances.

"Mga kababayan, ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa. Walang iwanan, walang maiiwan sa pagharap natin sa hamong ito," Marcos said.

"Asahan ninyo ang patuloy naming paggawa ng mga hakbang upang maibsan ang mabigat na epekto ng kaganapan sa Gitnang Silangan sa taong-bayan," he added.

"Nawa'y manatili ang ating tiwala sa isa't isa at ang pananampalataya na malagpasan din natin ang mga pagsubok. Dalangin natin ang kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng lahat. Marami pong salamat," Marcos said.

(Fellow countrymen, now, more than ever, we need each other's cooperation. No one will be left behind, no one will be left behind as we face this challenge. Expect us to continue taking steps to alleviate the heavy impact of the events in the Middle East on the people. May our trust in each other and the faith that we too can overcome the challenges remain. Let us pray for peace and safety for all. Thank you very much.)