Over 1.1 million jeepney drivers received P5k cash aid —DSWD

More than 1.1 million jeepney drivers nationwide received the P5,000 cash relief assistance from the government as of Saturday amid the high prices of fuel in the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

In a statement, the DSWD said it has distributed over P5.65 billion in cash assistance to 1,130,333 jeepney drivers.

Earlier this week, DSWD announced that jeepney drivers in Region 1 will receive P5,000 in cash relief assistance to help ease the impact of rising fuel costs and reduced income.

The cash aid is being given through DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (AICS) program.

The Middle East conflict, which escalated on February 28, prompted consecutive oil price hikes in the country, as the war disrupted the shipment of petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered one of the world’s most crucial oil export routes.

According to industry estimates, diesel prices are expected to roll back next week, potentially by up to P11 per liter.

However, gasoline prices may either remain unchanged or increase by P0.95 to P2 per liter, the same sources said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin had said that oil firms are now mandated to comply with the minimum and maximum amount that the government would set regarding the adjustments in the price of petroleum products amid the state of national energy emergency.

“Because of that declaration, it triggered the additional powers from the government to prescribe the price. Hindi tayo nagka-cap sa presyo mismo, pero kina-cap natin ‘yung adjustments,” she said.

(We don't put a cap on the price itself, but we put a cap on the adjustments.) —Mariel Celine Serquiña/KG, GMA News