Marcos: Let’s simplify fuel subsidies rollout, consider ‘digital payment’
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to streamline the distribution of fuel subsidies for drivers and operators.
He expressed his view as he oversaw the rollout of P10,000 fuel cash aid to each driver and operator at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Tuesday.
A total of 27 bus operators, who operate 1,096 bus units, received cash assistance at the terminal.
READ: PUV drivers outside NCR to receive cash, fuel subsidy starting April 6
“I’m making sure that the system becomes orderly. So, we are now providing a 10,000 subsidy for each bus unit. Then for the method of payment, all kinds of payment methods are allowed,” Marcos said in a media statement.
“There are still some who really prefer not to go digital. That’s also fine. They can issue a check, and if really necessary, even cash is still allowed,” he noted.
“But perhaps it’s more convenient, easier and more practical if, as much as possible, we use digital payment,” he observed.
Moreover, the president encouraged operators to cooperate with the government in mitigating the impact of rising fuel costs on commuters.
“Please help us so that our riding public will not have too much difficulty, first of all, and won’t be too heavily burdened by fares, because we all know what’s happening—the price of oil is changing all over the world,” Marcos said.
“That’s why this is the government’s response. And, of course, we are always in need of assistance, support, and cooperation from the operators, the drivers—the entire system,” he added.
During the visit, Marcos, along with Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, inspected the facilities at PITX.
The nationwide rollout of the P10,000 fuel subsidies will begin on April 6, Marcos said in a vlog released on Sunday.
This comes as oil companies are set to implement another double-digit increase in fuel prices, with diesel expected to reach P120 per liter starting Tuesday. /apl
