“Ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan natin ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa. Walang iwanan, walang maiiwan sa pagharap natin sa hamong ito.”
Thus declared President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, announcing a series of government measures, including cash assistance and fuel subsidies, to cushion the impact of rising oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
“Nitong nakarang linggo, sinimulan na natin ang pagtatatag ng hakbang upang mabawasan ang impact ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis bunga ng kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan,” the President said in a video message.
To help ensure the continued operation of the transport sector, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will begin distributing P5,000 cash relief assistance to 139,000 tricycle drivers in 17 local government units in Metro Manila starting March 17.
“Upang masiguro na tuloy-tuloy ang operasyon ng sektor ng transportasyon, bukas, March 17, ipapamahagi ng DSWD ang P5,000 na cash relief assistance sa 139,000 tricycle drivers sa 17 LGUs sa Metro Manila,” the President said.
President Marcos said the DSWD will also extend assistance to tricycle drivers outside Metro Manila, while jeepney and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers are expected to receive P5,000 in cash relief in the coming days.
The President also said the Department of Transportation will release fuel subsidies for transport workers in the last week of March.
President Marcos also said he has certified as urgent two proposed measures that seek to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products and amend the Biofuels Act to allow the use of cheaper bioethanol.
“Maliban dito, na-certify ko na bilang urgent ang dalawang panukalang batas na magbabawas sa excise tax sa petrolyo at mag-aamyenda sa Biofuels Act upang maagamit natin ang mas murang bioethanol,” the President said.
The Chief Executive said the administration will also continue to implement the government’s Love Bus Program, which provides free rides in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao to help commuters save on transportation costs.
“Kaya’t gamitin po ninyo ang libreng sakay sa Metro Cebu, Metro Davao at Metro Manila,” the President said.
To ensure food supply and support the agriculture sector, President Marcos noted that the Department of Agriculture will continue to provide PhP3,000 fuel subsidies to more than 26,000 farmers.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will distribute PhP3,000 fuel subsidies to over 26,000 fisherfolk starting March 19.
Farmers will also receive PhP2,000 assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.
The President also urged local government units to stop collecting pass-through fees that add to the cost of goods.
“Muli, nananawagan ako sa ating mga local government unit na siguruhin na wala ng pass-through fee na sisingilin,” he said. “Sana matigil na ninyo po ito dahil ang epekto lamang nito ay pinapamahal ang presyo ng ating mga bilihin,” President Marcos noted.
To help protect consumers, the Chief Executive said the government is also reducing certain aviation-related charges, including passenger service charges, landing fees, and parking fees, to help lower airline operating costs and airfare.
The Civil Aeronautics Board has also shortened the review period for fuel surcharge adjustments from one month to 15 days, allowing faster fare adjustments in response to changes in jet fuel prices.
“Mas mabilis na ma-adjust ang pamasahe kapag nagbago ang presyo ng jet fuel,” the President said.
President Marcos also directed government agencies to review the processes for issuing licenses, permits, and certifications, and to consider suspending or reducing certain fees to ease the burden on the public.
“Sa lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan, repasuhin ang mga patakaran ukol sa lisensya, permit, clearance, certification. Tingnan ninyo kung alin dito ang pwede munang suspindihin o di kaya ay babaan ang mga singil upang makabawas sa mga iniintindi ng taong-bayan,” the President noted.
President Marcos said the government is also taking steps to protect Filipino students from additional financial burdens. The President reiterated that fees and contributions remain prohibited in public schools, especially during graduation season.
Meanwhile, the President said the Department of Education will launch its Serbisyo Fair on March 25, where government agencies and employers will visit schools to help high school students and graduates apply for jobs.
“Asahan ninyo ang patuloy naming paggawa ng mga hakbang upang maibsan ang mabigat na epekto ng kaganapan sa Gitnang Silangan sa taong-bayan.”
(PCO-PND)
