At least 752 public utility drivers in the First District of Iloilo have received the P5,000 cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

These drivers were verified by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-6.

The aid was distributed at Oton National High School on May 11, 2026.

“Makakatulong rin sa pangkarga sa sasakyan. Konti na lang ang pasahero at mahal pa ang diesel,” said Sammy Damirez, a PUJ driver.

Another driver, Shaolin Delgado, said the aid can help put food on his family’s table.

He said they have been affected massively by the fuel crisis triggered by the crisis in the Middle East.

“Masakit. Malaki ang nawalang income sa sasakyan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the provincial government assured distribution in the province will be orderly.

“Sa mga drivers, kung merong hindi makakatanggap, balik agad sa LTFRB upang ma-check ang inyong names. Kasi ang mga binibigyan ngayon, ang mga actual driver ng PUJ,” said Board Member Jo Ann Germinanda, chairperson of the Committee on Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE has started distributing cash aid to PUJ drivers in the town of Barotac Nuevo, as well as in the Province of Guimaras.

For several drivers, the distribution of the aid came at the right time, as prices of diesel are expected to go back down.

Based on estimated of oil companies, the price of diesel may go down by P9.57 while the price of kerosene may go down by P13. However, the price of gasoline may go up by 47 centavos.