The Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) on Wednesday urged the government to immediately release the P2.5 billion in allocated fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, who continue to struggle with high fuel costs.

This comes amid renewed requests from transport groups for fare increases to cope with surging prices.

However, the LCSP maintains that direct subsidies are the more equitable solution, arguing against transferring the financial burden to commuters through higher fares.

In a position paper furnished to DAILY TRIBUNE, the LCSP cited the 2025 General Appropriations Act, which designated the P2.5 billion fund to assist transport sectors affected by high fuel prices, including drivers of PUVs, taxis, tricycles, and ride-hailing and delivery services nationwide.

Ariel Inton, founder and head of the LCSP, pointed out that the law only requires the Department of Energy (DoE) to certify that global crude oil prices have reached $80 per barrel for the funds to be released.

Inton said the Department of Transportation (DoTr) had begun drafting distribution guidelines in June 2025, and former DoTr official Mon Ilagan confirmed in an interview that the DoE had issued the required certification, paving the way for the subsidy distribution.

“Despite this, the government backtracked following a slight easing in global oil prices after tensions between Iran and Israel subsided,” the LCSP position paper said.

It added that the release was withheld because crude oil prices had dipped below the $80-per-barrel mark, even though fuel costs remain “significantly higher than in previous months.”

The LCSP stressed the government should honor the DoE certification issued in June and release the money without further delay.

“The law does not authorize a ‘laban-bawi’ [give-and-take] approach whenever prices fluctuate,” Inton said. “Once certification has been issued, the release of funds should follow.”

The group reiterated its firm position that subsidies must be released immediately, and “no fare hike should be imposed.”

“This is the fair and lawful remedy that alleviates the burden on drivers without further straining commuters, who are already struggling with the rising cost of living,” Inton said.