BARMM gov't to provide fuel subsidy, free rides

The Bangsamoro government announced that commuters may avail of free rides and fuel subsidy will be distributed to transport groups in Cotabato City to cushion the effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In a press release, Lawyer Lady Hanifah Mindalano-Alonto, Director II for Administrative and Finance Services of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC), made the announcement in an interview last March 23.

“We are not neglecting them [public transport operators]; the provision of fuel subsidies is continuous,” Alonto said.

The fuel subsidy is part of the Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP) that was launched in September 2025 and the beneficiaries are qualified public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators within Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The benficiaries, who will receive P7,500, include franchise holders of public utility jeepneys (PUJs), UV Express units, buses, minibuses, and taxis with valid Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) or Provisional Authority (PA) issued by the BLTFRB.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA) deployed free shuttle services that would bring passengers from Awang Airport and Cotabato City Plaza.

“They [BAA] are providing free rides for our passengers at Cotabato Airport. Passengers may hitch a ride as long as they are along the route going to the airport,” Alonto added.

The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) are also offering complementary free ride services.

The program that will be implemented by the Bangsamoro Government aims to "cushion the impact of economic challenges and ensure continuous transport services in the region." — BAP, GMA Integrated News