P10 Kada Litro? Metro Manila Fuel Subsidy Pilot Starts This Weekend for Jeepney, UV Drivers

Public utility vehicle drivers and operators in Metro Manila are set to get a bit of relief this weekend as the government begins the pilot run of a P10-per-liter fuel subsidy. The rollout targets jeepney and UV Express units first, making it one of the most immediately relevant transport stories for commuters and drivers watching fuel costs climb.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the government has set aside an initial P1.5 billion for the program. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the subsidy can cover up to 150 liters per week per vehicle until July 2026, a setup aimed at helping operators absorb part of the pain from high pump prices.

The program is expected to reach around 142,698 jeepney and UV Express units nationwide, with about 14,000 gas stations involved in the implementation. For now, the pilot will begin in Metro Manila, where transport costs and daily ridership pressures remain especially intense.

Mendoza said the weekend pilot is only the opening phase and that agencies are already coordinating on a wider expansion. He pointed to ongoing work with the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation, signaling that the government wants to move quickly once the initial rollout is in place.

For drivers, operators, and commuters, this is the kind of update that matters because fuel prices hit fares, earnings, and household budgets all at once. If the pilot runs smoothly, the next big question will be how fast the subsidy can expand beyond Metro Manila and whether the support will be enough while fuel pressures remain elevated.

Source: The Manila Times