The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the distribution of P5,000 cash subsidies for transport workers will start this week, beginning with tricycle drivers in Metro Manila before expanding to jeepney drivers and other sectors.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are finalizing the list of jeepney drivers in Metro Manila. The list will be submitted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the subsidy distribution.
Lopez said the agency has already completed the lists for Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers and motorcycle taxi riders, while coordination is ongoing with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to identify delivery riders who will also receive assistance.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the rollout of the P5,000 cash subsidy for jeepney drivers will begin by Monday, with other transport sectors to follow. The program will be implemented nationwide.
Meanwhile, Lopez said the government is also preparing a fuel subsidy program for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers, excluding tricycle drivers. The DOTr aims to launch the program next week, alongside the cash subsidy distribution.
The agency has allocated P2.5 billion for fuel subsidies and is awaiting funding approval from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Once released, the program is expected to be implemented nationwide in the coming weeks.
The subsidies aim to help transport workers cope with rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
