Palace orders faster aid rollout amid rising fuel prices

Malacañang directed key government agencies to speed up the rollout of assistance programs to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

This came after Ralph Recto convened frontline agencies, following instructions from Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to implement a whole-of-government response to surging oil costs.

During a meeting on Monday, March 16, Recto ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release cash aid to transport drivers through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He also instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to fast-track and expand relief measures, including the Libreng Sakay program, to help ease the burden on commuters.

Additional interventions include securing toll fee discounts for public utility vehicles and lowering select aviation charges to reduce airline operating costs and fares.

Recto said fuel assistance would also be extended to farmers and fisherfolk, noting food production's heavy reliance on fuel.

“Ito ang utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Ang kanyang direktiba ay madaliin ang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” Recto said.

He added that a P10-billion fund will support farmers and fisherfolk affected by rising fuel prices.

Recto emphasized that modern farming and fishing depend on fuel-powered equipment and vessels, making these sectors especially vulnerable to price hikes.

“And fishermen no longer paddle out to sea… that is why as much as 75 percent of the market price of fish represents fuel cost,” he said.

He said the government’s intervention aims to prevent higher fuel costs from triggering increases in food prices.

“We know that fuel inflation can trigger food inflation. That is what we are trying to mitigate,” he said.

Recto warned that limited fuel access for fishermen could lead to lower catch volumes and higher fish prices.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has been tasked to implement the subsidy program and ensure a stable food supply, particularly for rice.

Recto said the government is mobilizing all agencies to respond to the situation and protect consumers from further economic strain.

Also present at the meeting were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo.

He added that the coordinated response is intended to ensure timely delivery of assistance while keeping prices stable amid global uncertainties.

-Paraluman News