Palace to PUV drivers: Trust gov't amid soaring fuel prices

Malacañang on Friday called on the public transport sector, particularly drivers, to trust the government’s measures amid their continued demand for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to address rising petroleum prices.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro urged drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to have confidence in the government’s approach, which seeks to balance assistance for the transport sector with support for commuters amid the fuel price surge.

“Sa panahon ngayon, ang kailangan natin ay pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan. Alam po ni Pangulong Marcos, Jr. ang hinaing nating lahat dahil sa dulot ng sigalot sa Middle East," she said.

(At this time, we need to unite and help each other. President Marcos Jr. understands our concerns brought about by tensions in the Middle East.)

"Hindi natin ginusto ito. Hindi ito kasalanan ng Pangulo at ng gobyerno,” Castro told Palace reporters.

(This was not our doing, nor is it the fault of the President or the government.)

Despite rising fuel prices, Castro said the government has already prioritized aid for the transport sector and urged drivers to trust its measures.

“Alam rin po nating lahat na inuna ni Pangulo ang pag- ayuda sa transportation sector. Inuna silang bigyan ng financial assistance at fuel subsidy.

(The President also prioritized aid to the transport sector, providing financial assistance and fuel subsidies.)

"Ang hiling lang natin ay pang-unawa at pagtitiwala sa mga desisyon ng gobyerno na binabalanse ang pagtulong sa mga mananakay at sa mga transportation sector. Sana magtulungan tayong lahat sa gitna ng krisis sa Middle East” she said.

"What we ask is understanding and trust in the government’s decisions, which aim to balance support for commuters and transport operators. Let’s work together amid this crisis in the Middle East.)

Earlier, President Marcos directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the implementation of fare hikes for PUVs, assuring that the government would provide additional assistance to affected drivers.

The government has begun rolling out subsidies for PUV drivers, starting with tricycle operators in Metro Manila.

A day later, transport groups launched a nationwide strike in response to the continued surge in pump prices linked to the Middle East conflict.

The Piston transport group warned it would stage further protests unless the government addresses their demands, including the removal of the excise tax to help ease fuel costs.

Meanwhile, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have approved, on third and final reading, a measure granting the President emergency powers to suspend or reduce excise taxes on oil products.—MCG, GMA Integrated News