President Marcos outlines measures to ease rising fuel costs amid Middle East tensions

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has detailed a series of government initiatives designed to ease the impact of rising oil prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a video message on Monday, March 16, Marcos said the government began implementing measures last week to lessen the burden of higher fuel costs on transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers.

“Sinimulan na natin ang itatag ang mga hakbang upang mabawasan ang impact ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis bunga ng kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan,” he said.

The President announced that P5,000 in cash assistance will be distributed to tricycle drivers starting March 17. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will deliver the aid to around 139,000 tricycle drivers across 17 local government units in Metro Manila, with plans to expand to drivers outside the capital.

He also said jeepney and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers are expected to receive P5,000 in cash assistance in the coming days.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will release fuel subsidies during the last week of March.

Marcos noted that he had certified as urgent two bills aimed at reducing fuel costs: one allowing the government to lower excise taxes on petroleum products during economic emergencies, and another amending the Biofuels Act of 2006 to allow the use of cheaper bioethanol.

The President said the government will continue the “Love Bus” program, providing free rides to commuters in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, encouraging the public to take advantage of the service to reduce transportation expenses.

Farmers and fisherfolk will also benefit from fuel assistance. The Department of Agriculture (DA) will distribute P3,000 fuel subsidies to over 26,000 farmers, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will provide the same amount to over 26,000 fisherfolk on March 19. Both groups are also set to receive over P2,000 each through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program starting April.

Marcos said the government is also taking steps to lower air travel costs. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will reduce passenger service charges, landing fees, parking fees, and other charges, while the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will shorten the review period for fuel surcharges from one month to 15 days to allow faster fare adjustments in response to jet fuel price changes.

He has also instructed government agencies to review licenses, permits, and other regulatory fees to identify those that could be suspended or reduced, easing the public’s financial burden. Marcos reminded local government units to stop imposing pass-through fees on agricultural products, noting that such charges increase prices for consumers.

Local governments that have received additional funds via the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) may start purchasing rice from farmers and distributing it to constituents. The President also reiterated that fees and contributions remain prohibited in public schools, particularly during graduation periods, and announced that the Department of Education (DepEd) will launch a “Serbisyo Fair” on March 25 to help graduating students and job seekers apply for work and process clearances.

Marcos called on the public to remain united amid the economic challenges posed by global developments.

“Ngayon higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa. Walang iwanan, walang maiiwan sa pagharap natin sa hamong ito,” he said.

-Paraluman News