Over 1.13M PUV drivers get cash aid

OVER 1.13 million public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide have received government cash aid as the Philippines ramps up relief efforts to offset the impact of rising fuel costs amid an ongoing energy emergency.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Sunday said 1.13 million transport workers have been given P5,000 each as of April 25, in line with a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to accelerate assistance for sectors most affected by higher oil prices.

Total disbursements have reached over P5.6 billion, with tricycle drivers accounting for the majority of beneficiaries at about 841,789, equivalent to P4.21 billion in aid.

Mr. Marcos placed the country under a year-long state of energy emergency due to the Middle East crisis.

The Philippines has been grappling with higher global oil prices, which have pushed up domestic pump rates and added strain on transport operators reliant on daily passenger fares.

The cash subsidy for the most vulnerable sectors is part of the government’s efforts to cushion Filipinos from rising fuel prices.

Motorcycle taxi drivers and delivery riders followed at 207,974 recipients, while jeepney drivers and transport network vehicle service operators each accounted for about 40,000 beneficiaries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana