DOTr proposes fuel subsidy expansion over fare hike

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is considering expanding its fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators instead of granting the pending fare hike petitions filed by transport groups, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Wednesday.

In a Balitanghali interview, Lopez said the department has submitted its recommendations to Malacañang, with its preferred option focusing on increasing government assistance for drivers and operators affected by rising fuel prices.

“Nag-submit (na kami ng) recommendation sa Malacañang at ang talagang option 1 po namin is to expand pa ’yung ating ongoing government intervention.”

(We have submitted our recommendation to Malacañang, and our primary option is to further expand the government’s ongoing intervention.)

Lopez said the proposal involves enhancing the existing fuel subsidy or fuel discount program, which currently provides a P10-per-liter discount for up to 150 liters.

“Ito po ’yung fuel subsidy or fuel discount na P10 per liter that has a cap of 150 liters," he noted.

(This is the fuel subsidy or fuel discount of P10 per liter, with a cap of 150 liters.)

He said the DOTr is studying whether to increase the subsidy to P15 or P20 per liter, or expand the number of liters covered each week.

“Tinitingnan namin ngayon kung kailangan pa natin na palakihin ’yung diskwentong nakukuha nila from P10, maaari bang P15 na lang po or P20, o padamihin po ’yung litrong makukuha nila sa isang linggo.”

(We are studying whether the discount should be increased from P10 to P15 or P20 per liter, or whether the number of liters covered each week should be increased.)

Lopez said the department prefers expanding fuel assistance because it directly benefits transport operators while sparing commuters from higher fares.

“Kailangan po kasi na ito ’yung bigyang-tuon natin sapagkat targeted ’yung approach natin dito, ibig sabihin matutulungan natin ’yung mga transport group, transport operators, at the same time po hindi tayo makakapagbigay ng karagdagang pasanin sa ating mga commuters.”

(We need to focus on this because it is a targeted approach. This means we can help transport groups and operators while, at the same time, avoid placing an additional burden on commuters.)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his fifth State of the Nation Address, highlighted the government’s assistance programs for sectors affected by rising oil prices but did not mention the pending fare hike petitions.

Transport groups have been seeking a fare increase, citing higher fuel prices and operating costs.—Sherylin Untalan/ LDF, GMA News