Government to release P21 billion to cushion rising prices

MANILA, Philippines —   More help is on the way for sectors most affected by skyrocketing fuel prices, President Marcos said yesterday, as he ordered the immediate release of P21.47 billion to keep infrastructure projects running, protect jobs and cushion the impact on Filipinos of the raging conflict in the Middle East.

Acting on the President’s directive, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) fast-tracked the release to ensure that critical services continue uninterrupted – especially as higher oil prices threaten transport costs and household budgets.

“Every peso we release is meant to ease a burden, sustain a livelihood or keep a service running for our people – especially at a time when global events beyond our control are affecting daily life here at home,” DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo said.

“At a time when global headwinds are pushing fuel prices up, it is critical that we step in where it matters most: supporting our drivers, protecting commuters, and ensuring that no Filipino is left to carry these challenges alone,” he added.

Of the total, P2.49 billion was allocated to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the Fuel Subsidy Program, providing direct relief to drivers and operators grappling with rising fuel costs.

As global oil prices climb, the subsidy helps drivers stay on the road without passing on the full burden to commuters—keeping fares stable and transport accessible for millions of Filipinos.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) got P18.65 billion that it would use to sustain infrastructure projects nationwide, ensuring continued employment, safer roads, and unhampered economic activity.

An additional P324.36 million was released to the DPWH to settle prior obligations for foreign-assisted infrastructure projects, ensuring their timely completion.

The DBM assures the public that all fund releases are subject to strict budgeting, accounting, and auditing safeguards—ensuring that assistance reaches the right beneficiaries while protecting every peso of public funds.

‘Softened the blow’

In Bataan where he inspected newly fabricated classrooms, Marcos said his administration has “softened the blow” to Filipinos as it continues to secure oil and food supplies and monitor the prices of commodities. His assurances came a day after he suspended a fare hike increase scheduled to take effect yesterday.

“So, we are adjusting well. We are after the livelihood of people, that they continue to have livelihood,” the President told reporters.

“For example, the transport workers, even if the fare is not yet increased, the fare hike is just deferred, we will provide them additional help so they will not incur losses,” he added.

Marcos said such interventions are needed to ensure that public transport is not disrupted, especially as many families are expected to travel to the provinces during the Holy Week.

“We are trying to find different methods to provide subsidies, to provide assistance. The problem is the oil prices are volatile. We cannot anticipate. So, we are still adjusting right now,” he added.

According to Marcos, the Philippines is eyeing to import coal to ensure adequate power supply for the country.

“We were trying to move away from coal but because of this crisis, we’ll open up again the importation, the buying of coal so our power plants will not experience shortage, so our power supply will be sufficient,” the Chief Executive said.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the administration would soon provide gas assistance to farmers and fishermen, sectors that are heavily dependent on fuel.

“In this mechanized era, farmers rely on equipment from tractors to harvesters,” Recto said in a statement.

“And fishermen no longer paddle out to sea. They are brought there by boats powered by gas or diesel engines. That is why as much as 75 percent of the market price of fish represents fuel cost,” he added.

According to Recto, Marcos has ordered the tapping of a P10-billion fund to mitigate the impact of higher fuel prices on farmers and fishermen.

“We know that fuel inflation can trigger food inflation. That is what we are trying to mitigate. If fishermen are spending less time out in the sea because they are limited by their gas supply, then it results in lower catch, which in turn makes fish expensive,” he added.

To ensure “fast and comfortable receipt of cash assistance” by transport workers, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will implement e-wallet transactions.

Beneficiaries who do not have means to have an e-wallet or are not comfortable with such a mode of distribution can go to the scheduled distribution venues that would be determined by local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the use of e-wallets is the “fastest and most comfortable” way of receiving the fuel subsidy since beneficiaries would no longer need to fall into long queues at distribution venues.

No wage hike petition

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment said regional wage boards remain in “monitoring” mode and have not received any petition seeking an additional wage increase within the 12-month effectivity period of existing wage orders.

In a radio interview, Labor Assistant Secretary and spokesman Lennard Constantine Serrano said wage boards were closely watching developments, including the possible impact of higher fuel prices on inflation and household expenses, but stressed that no formal petition for another wage increase has been filed so far.

“As of now, the wage boards are closely monitoring the situation. So far, neither we nor the National Wages and Productivity Commission has received any petition seeking a wage increase within the 12-month period,” Serrano said.

Serrano said the general rule is that a wage order cannot be disturbed within 12 months of its effectivity. However, exceptions are allowed under the omnibus rules of the National Wages and Productivity Commission issued in 2020 when there are “urgent and reasonable grounds.” -  Josiah Antonio, Christine Boton, Josiah Antonio, Jose Rodel Clapano