Gov't Rolling Out Libreng Sakay and P2.5B Fuel Vouchers — Here's Who Gets Them
The Department of Transportation is deploying P3.5 billion worth of subsidies to cushion the blow of skyrocketing fuel prices on everyday commuters. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that free rides will return to select bus routes — including the EDSA busway — while fuel vouchers worth up to P10,000 each will be distributed to public utility vehicle drivers nationwide.
The DOTr is splitting the relief into two programs. First, the P1-billion Service Contracting Program from the 2026 budget will fund libreng sakay on major routes. If the EDSA busway program is reactivated, around 183,000 commuters could benefit daily based on 2025 ridership numbers. Second, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is finalizing a P2.5-billion fuel subsidy targeting PUV operators and tricycle drivers.
The fuel subsidy can only be released once the Department of Energy certifies that Dubai crude oil has averaged $80 per barrel for a full month. But with Dubai crude already at $99.14 as of March 6, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon is urging the DOE to skip the waiting period and issue the certification immediately para hindi na maghintay ang mga driver.
The timing couldn't be more urgent. Industry sources say diesel prices are set to surge by over P20 per liter this week, while gasoline could climb another P10 per liter. Since January alone, pump prices have already jumped P6.70 for gasoline and P9.40 for diesel — and the Middle East conflict shows no signs of cooling down.
Rep. Ridon is also pushing for agri-fisheries transport to be included in the subsidy coverage, arguing that rising fuel costs will eventually hit food prices hard. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs warns that removing the oil excise tax — another option on the table — could cost the government P200 to P230 billion in lost revenue.
Source: Philstar
