Release fuel subsidies, not fare hikes — LCSP tells gov’t

The Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) on Wednesday called on the government to immediately release the fuel subsidies intended for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, who continue to bear the brunt of rising fuel prices in recent weeks.

The appeal came amid renewed pleas from transport groups for fare hikes to cope with the surge in fuel costs. LCSP maintained that the more equitable solution is to provide direct subsidies to drivers rather than pass the burden onto commuters through higher fares.

In a position paper furnished to the Daily Tribune, the LCSP cited that under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, ₱2.5 billion has been allocated for fuel subsidies to assist transport sectors affected by surging fuel prices — including PUV, taxi, tricycle, and full-time ride-hailing and delivery drivers nationwide.

“The law only requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to certify that global crude oil prices have reached $80 per barrel before funds can be released,” the LCSP stated.

In June 2025, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), tasked with identifying qualified beneficiaries, had already begun drafting the distribution guidelines and expressed readiness to implement the program.

Former DOTr Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mon Ilagan also confirmed in a 23 June ABS-CBN interview that the DOE had already issued the required certification, paving the way for subsidy distribution.

“Despite this, the government backtracked following a slight easing in global oil prices after tensions between Iran and Israel subsided. Although fuel costs remain significantly higher than in previous months, the release of subsidies was withheld on the ground that crude oil prices had dipped below $80 per barrel,” the LCSP position paper, signed by Atty. Ariel Inton, said.

Meanwhile, PUV drivers are still grappling with elevated fuel costs and remain steadfast in their call for fare hikes.

LCSP stressed that the government should honor the DOE certification issued last June and release the subsidies without further delay.

“The law does not authorize a ‘laban-bawi’ approach whenever prices fluctuate. Once certification has been issued, the release of funds should follow. A temporary dip in prices is not sufficient justification to withhold subsidies already mandated by law,” Inton said.

“If this is so, then the government would just wait for this to happen and withhold indefinitely the release of the fuel subsidy,” he added.

Inton reiterated LCSP’s position: “Fuel subsidies must be released immediately to qualified PUV drivers, 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 and being cheated by grafters in government plundering the country billions of pesos.”