Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched a fuel subsidy and expanded transport support starting April 15 but stopped short of deciding on a possible suspension of fuel excise taxes, as the government continues to assess options amid rising oil prices.
In a video statement on Thursday, April 9, following a meeting of the UPLIFT Committee, Marcos said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will implement a nationwide Service Contracting Program aimed at boosting the income of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers while easing the burden on commuters.
“Kaya naman simula April 15, ipapatupad ng DOTr ang Service Contracting Program… babayaran namin ang ating mga operator at driver ng mula PhP40 hanggang Php100 kada kilometro,” he said.
[Translation: Starting April 15, the DOTr will implement the Service Contracting Program… we will pay our operators and drivers ₱40 to ₱100 per kilometer.]
