As the country continues to bear with the effects of the tensions in the Middle East to oil prices.
During the Palace Press Briefing on Tuesday, August 4, Undersecretary Claire Castro was asked on Malacañang’s stance on on the fare hike petitions filed by several transport groups, with petitions ranging from two to ten pesos.
“Sana ay hindi makaapekto kung magkakaroon man ng pagtaas ng pamasahe o hindi magkakaroon ng taas ng pamasahe, ayaw po sanang makaapekto ito sa ating mga commuters dahil alam po natin ang epekto ng krisis sa Middle East,” she cited the President.
She then appealed transport groups to pursue a dialogue with the government instead of holding a transport strike, which is being planned for the following week.
“Ang nais ng pamahalaan ay pag-uusap, negosasyon, makita kung ano ang daing at kung mayroon man, magkakaroon ng transport rally,“ said Castro. “Hindi kasi ito ang tugon, hindi ito ang sagot sa mga ganitong klaseng issue dahil mas mahihirapan lang din po ang ating mga commuters sa gagawin ganitong klaseng aksyon.”
Castro also said the government remains open to discussions and is prepared to listen to the concerns of these groups to find solutions.
“Kayo naman po ay nadidinig ng gobyerno, mas maganda na magkaroon ng matahimik, maayos na diyalogo, hindi iyong lagi tayong nasa daan dahil hindi po siya ang sagot sa ating mga isyu sa ngayon.“
However, she also recognized the groups’ right to stage protests, but warned it would not be beneficial to the economy.
“Hindi po natin pinipigilan ang sinumang nais na magkaroon ng pagpoprotesta, but still hindi po siya makakatulong sa ating ekonomiya.“
P10 FUEL SUBSIDY EXTENDED, INCREASE TO P20 UNDER REVIEW
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Palace announced that the government has extended the P10-per-liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators until the end of August.
The subsidy, which was rolled out on April 14, was originally scheduled to run until July 2026, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
As regards to the LTFRB’s proposal to increase the fuel subsidy for all PUVs to P20 per liter for one month due to the series of oil price hikes, the Palace official said that it is still under review by the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the government’s Economic Team.
“Nakausap natin mismo si (DOTr) Secretary Banoy (Giovanni Lopez) at mayroon po siyang pakikipagpulong sa Office of the Executive Secretary para pag-usapan ang mga detalye patungkol dito,” she told. “Pero sa ngayon ay patuloy pa rin, extended hanggang katapusan ng August ang 10-peso per liter fuel discount or subsidy.”
