Marcos vows continued efforts to cushion Mideast conflict impact
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday assured the public that the government is implementing measures to cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict on oil prices, including cash and fuel subsidies and the urgent certification of bills to reduce excise taxes on petroleum products and amend the Biofuels Act of 2006.
“Tomorrow, March 17, the DSWD will distribute P5,000 in cash relief assistance to 139,000 tricycle drivers across 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila. The DSWD will then proceed with distributing assistance to tricycle drivers outside Metro Manila,” Marcos said in a video message.
READ: Marcos certifies as urgent bill on amendments to biofuels law
He added that Transportation Network Vehicle Service drivers will also receive P5,000 cash relief to help ease the burden brought by the fuel price hike.
The government will continue implementing the “Love Bus” program, which provides free rides for commuters in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.
Assistance for farmers, fisherfolk
The president also said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will continue distributing P3,000 fuel subsidy to more than 26,000 farmers, while 26,000 fishers will get P3,000 aid from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Thursday, March 19.
The DA will also dispense P2,000 cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program.
No past-through fees
Meanwhile, local government units (LGUs) that have already received the Local Government Support Fund may begin using it to purchase palay (unhusked rice) from farmers and distribute it to their constituents.
Marcos urged local government leaders to ensure that no pass-through fees are collected for palay.
READ: Marcos certifies urgent bill to cut, suspend oil excise taxes
“Once again, I am calling on our local government units to make sure that no pass-through fee is being collected anymore. I have received reports that some barangays are still charging this fee for each sack of palay and for vehicles. he said.
“I hope you will stop this already, because the only effect of it is making the prices of our goods more expensive.”
Protecting consumers and businesses
Marcos emphasized that the government is protecting not only consumers but also business owners amid rising oil prices.
“We are trying to protect consumers while ensuring that businesses do not incur losses. The CAAP will reduce charges for passenger service fees, landing fees, parking fees, and other fees. This will help lower the operating costs of airlines and reduce airplane fares,” the president said.
He added that the Civil Aeronautics Board has shortened the review period for the fuel surcharge from one month to 15 days, allowing airfares to be adjusted more quickly when jet fuel prices change.
Marcos also directed government agencies to review guidelines for issuing licenses, permits, and clearance certifications to determine which fees can be temporarily suspended or reduced.
“Please look into which of these charges can be suspended for now or reduced in order to help lessen the burdens of the public.”
The government is also focusing on the welfare of Filipino youth, accordoing to Marcos.
“Fees or contributions collected from students in public schools are still prohibited, especially now during graduation season,” Marcos said.
On March 25, the Department of Education (DepEd) will hold Serbisyo Fairs, where students and graduates can directly apply for jobs.
“My fellow citizens, now more than ever, we need everyone’s cooperation. No one will be left behind as we face this challenge together,” he said.
“Rest assured that we will continue taking measures to ease the heavy impact of the events in the Middle East on the people.” / dp
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