Chalssea Kate Echegoyen

DOTr readies rollout of P2.5 billion fuel aid for drivers, operators

A jeepney driver refills his gas tank at a station in Manila on March 15, 2022. Motorists and commuters continue to struggle as oil prices continue to skyrocket. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Victoria Tulad

<p>MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has prepared P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies for public utility drivers and operators as the government moves to cushion the impact of rising oil prices. </p><p>DOTr Legal Service official Noel Alarcon said the agency is awaiting the release of funds from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) before distribution begins. </p><p>Alarcon said that the release was briefly delayed pending certification from the Department of Energy (DOE), confirming that Dubai crude oil prices had reached at least 80$ per barrel, which is a requirement for subsidy rollout. </p><p>“We are just requesting the DBM for the release of the P2.5 billion because before there was a little delay because we needed the certification from the Department of Energy that the Dubai crude oil prices had reached at least 80 US dollars per barrel,” he said. </p><p>“DOE already issued the certification, and so we can immediately release the P2.5 billion for our drivers and operators,” he added.</p><p>The subsidy program is expected to benefit over 1.1 million transport and delivery workers, including 233,314 drivers and operators, 1995,018 tricycle drivers, and 723,00 delivery riders.</p><div><strong>RELATED STORY: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/17/groups-welcome-fare-adjustment-as-fuel-prices-soar-1839">Groups welcome fare adjustment as fuel prices soar</a></div><p>DOE Legal Service Official Dexter Suyat said the agency has ramped up efforts to expand charging infrastructure, including installations in malls, hospitals, and soon, gasoline stations.</p><p>He added that the DOE had earlier directed distribution utilities to integrate electric vehicles charging stations into their development plans. </p><div><strong>RELATED STORY:</strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/17/-dotr-approves-fare-hikes-for-traditional-modern-jeepneys-0819">DOTr approves fare hikes for PUVs, taxis, TNVS cars</a></div>

<p>The DOTr has prepared P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies for public utility drivers and operators as the government moves to cushion the impact of rising oil prices.</p>

The DOTr has prepared P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies for public utility drivers and operators as the government moves to cushion the impact of rising oil prices.