LTFRB: P651M in fuel subsidy given to transport workers so far

Over P651 million in cash assistance has been distributed so far to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles as part of the government’s fuel subsidy program amid rising pump prices due to the Middle East conflict, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Monday.

In a statement, LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II noted that of the P651,185,000 cash assistance distributed since March 17, Metro Manila received the biggest chunk at P181.278 million, followed by Calabarzon at P98.215 million, and Central Luzon with P73.416 million.

The distribution covers drivers and operators of modern and traditional jeepneys, UV Express, passenger and P2P buses, transport network vehicle service (TNVS) partners, Filcabs, taxis, tricycles and delivery services.

“The task is not yet done. Marami pang dapat gawin (There is much to do) but we assure our kababayan that the entire government is working together not only to release the fuel subsidy in the soonest possible time but in finding other ways to assist the PUV sector,” Mendoza said.

Earlier, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said P2.4 billion was allocated for the fuel subsidy program to help transport workers cope with recent rounds of oil price surges amid the tension in the Gulf region.

READ: LIST: Pump price hikes on Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Mendoza said he ordered all LTFRB regional directors to continue the validation process in coordination with concerned government agencies to ensure a fast, comfortable and hassle-free distribution.

“We encountered several minor challenges especially in the distribution in Metro Manila and these challenges became learned lessons that were utilized to prevent similar incidents especially in the provincial distribution in the past days, and in the coming days,” Mendoza said.

“The goal still remains, fast distribution of the fuel subsidy and we assure our friends and partners in the PUV sector that we are on the right track,” he added.

The LTFRB previously urged owners and operators of PUV terminals to cut the rental fee by at least 50 percent while toll fees were also reduced for PUVs amid the oil price surges due to the Middle East conflict. — JMA, GMA News