President Marcos said government fuel subsidies and fare discounts will continue as long as oil prices remain high, as he assured the public that more measures are being studied to ease the burden of the ongoing crisis.
In an unexpected exchange with a college student following his inspection of the Department of Transportation’s service contracting program in Cubao, Quezon City, on Monday, April 20, the President said the government will continue implementing various initiatives to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
“Hangga’t nandiyan at mataas ang presyo ng langis ay patuloy ang tulong ng pamahalaan (As long as oil prices remain high, government assistance will continue),” he told the student from Adamson University.
He added that the government is still looking for additional ways to respond to the evolving situation.
“Habang tumatagal ito, nag-iisip pa kami, naghahanap pa kami kung ano pa ang pwedeng gawin (As this continues, we are thinking and looking for what else can be done),” he said.
“Lahat ng kailangan nating gawin para makapag-adjust… ginagawa natin (We are doing everything needed to adjust and reduce the burden),” he added.
Support for drivers, operators
Marcos said assistance is meant to ensure that drivers and operators continue to earn despite rising fuel costs.
“Kung hindi na sila kumikita, hindi na sila lalabas. Wala na ngayon kayong sasakyan (If they are no longer earning, they will stop operating. Then there will be no transport),” he said.
He stressed that supporting the transport sector is key to maintaining mobility.
Relief for commuters
The President said that fare discounts are also being provided to ease the burden on commuters.
“Hindi magiging mas mabigat ang pagbayad ng pamasahe (Fares will not become more burdensome),” he said.
He noted that the government is addressing both sides—transport operators and passengers.
Marcos noted that students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities now receive up to 60 percent in fare discounts.
“Kayo… 60 percent na ang estudyante, ang PWD, at saka senior (Students, PWDs, and seniors now get 60 percent),” he said.
OFWs assisted
Marcos said the government is also assisting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by tensions in the Middle East.
“Yung mga nais umuwi… inuuwi natin (Those who want to return home, we are bringing them back),” he said.
He added that returning OFWs are provided with livelihood assistance.
Volatile global situation
The President pointed to the unpredictable situation in the Middle East as a key driver of oil price fluctuations.
“Araw-araw, nagbabago ang sitwasyon… pabago-bago ang presyo ng langis (The situation changes daily… oil prices are volatile),” he said.
He cited uncertainties such as possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
