3 weeks ago
10
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
April 21, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos assured the public of continued government support amid high fuel prices as he inspected the implementation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s Service Contracting Program in Quezon City yesterday.
The SCP is a government initiative wherein the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) compensate public utility vehicle operators or drivers per kilometer traveled, regardless of passenger count.
“We will continue to do this as long as the price of oil remains high… the government’s assistance continues,” the President said.
Implemented starting April 15, the program aims to ensure the continuity of public transport operations.
In a Facebook post, Marcos said the government pays operators and drivers per kilometer traveled so they can keep running despite high fuel costs.
Busway drivers receive P100 per kilometer, city buses P82, modern jeepneys P40 and traditional jeepneys P30.
“In return, commuters get a 20 percent fare discount, with up to 40 percent for students, seniors and PWDs (persons with disabilities),” the President said.
Participating vehicles are identified by tarpaulins bearing the program name and posted fare matrices showing discounted rates.
During the inspection, the President boarded electronic jeepneys enrolled under the SCP and checked whether program requirements – such as tarpaulins and fare matrices – were in place. He also interacted with passengers.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez and LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II joined the President during his visit at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao. Former senator and interior secretary Mar Roxas was also present during the inspection.
The program is funded with P800 million under the 2026 General Appropriations Act and is set to run for about 14 days. The DOTr is seeking an additional P5 billion to extend its implementation until July.
It currently covers 823 routes nationwide, including 545 feeder routes in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, as well as major corridors such as the EDSA Carousel, Metro Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
Apart from the SCP, the government has rolled out a P10 per liter diesel discount for PUVs and a 20 percent fare discount for commuters.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, more than 1,300 registered transport network vehicle service drivers received P5,000 each during the distribution of cash assistance at the QC Elevated Promenade yesterday.
Nationwide, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the government has already assisted nearly one million drivers, with total aid reaching about P5 billion.
He added the agency is targeting to complete the first round of distribution before the end of the month.
Digital ayuda
As the government ramps up financial assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now considering shifting to digital payment platforms to improve the distribution system and prevent untoward incidents.
“We have been holding consultations for the adoption of digital systems. This is because we have seen the real value of adopting electronic wallets,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao told GMA News.
“This is especially because of the excessive summer heat that we are now experiencing. Besides, we really don’t want our most vulnerable sectors lining up,” she added.
The move follows the death of a rider who collapsed while queuing for a payout in Quezon City.
Dumlao said the agency has yet to receive official information on the cause of death, as the family is still awaiting the issuance of a death certificate. The DSWD has extended assistance to the victim’s family.
Beyond preventing similar incidents, the proposed digital system also aims to reduce operational and administrative costs.
Despite the incident, the DSWD said it will continue distributing cash assistance and will announce additional schedules for beneficiaries who were unable to claim their aid.
The agency is also investigating a complaint in Taguig, where a rider alleged that another individual claimed assistance under his name. Dumlao said documents and identification cards have been collected for verification.
At the same time, the DSWD is reviewing reports from special payouts conducted on April 18 and 19 for motorcycle taxi drivers and delivery riders to acknowledge operational issues that need to be addressed.
Moving forward, the agency is studying the possible expansion of assistance to other vulnerable sectors affected by energy-related challenges, including the middle class, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The DSWD said announcements will be made once their plans are finalized and after the investigations are completed. — Delon Porcalla
