Hontiveros pushes for cash aid for more PUV drivers, transport co-ops

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros has urged Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo to extend financial assistance to additional public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and transport operators or cooperatives, citing pressures caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In a letter dated March 19, Hontiveros requested clarification and a detailed plan from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on how the P30-billion cash aid set aside by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) could be distributed effectively to the transport sector.

Citing an initial technical review, the senator noted that transport operators face a daily revenue shortfall of more than P1,000 per vehicle.

“This revenue gap persists even after accounting for the combined effects of the excise tax suspension, recent fare adjustments, and the current fuel subsidy. It effectively forces transport operations to run below full capacity, as cooperatives can no longer cover the daily costs required to keep their fleets on the road,” Hontiveros said.

She stressed that government support should include PUV drivers, operators, and transport cooperatives, emphasizing that “even those not currently classified under the poorest of the poor require urgent supplemental income.”

“The impending reduction in service levels among transport cooperatives could lead to involuntary unemployment for drivers. Without a clear mechanism to ensure DSWD support reaches them, we risk a severe disruption of our public transport system,” she added.

The DSWD previously set aside P30 billion for cash aid to Filipinos affected by rising fuel prices, including tricycle and jeepney drivers.

Funds will be sourced from the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, providing P5,000 per beneficiary.

Earlier on Friday, the DBM said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had ordered the immediate release of P21.47 billion in public funds to roll out fuel subsidies and sustain infrastructure projects.

Of this, P2.49 billion was allocated to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Fuel Subsidy Program, which provides direct aid to drivers and operators coping with rising fuel costs.

Amid these developments, Marcos also ordered the DOTr to suspend planned fare hikes, citing the fuel price surge resulting from the Middle East conflict.

According to an industry source, projected pump price increases next week are:

• Diesel: P14.00–P14.50 per liter
• Gasoline: P7.00–P7.50 per liter

These adjustments could push diesel prices to as high as P130 per liter and gasoline to exceed P100 per liter following the double-digit increases recorded this week.—MCG, GMA Integrated News