MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The national government is preparing to roll out a P3.5-billion fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators to mitigate rising oil prices and prevent fare hikes, officials said Monday.

Aljo Bendijo, the newly installed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 10 director, told DAILY TRIBUNE that the Department of Transportation (DoTr) proposed the funding to assist jeepney, bus and other public transport drivers facing consecutive petroleum price increases.

Transportation officials recommended that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. release the subsidy from contingency funds to provide immediate relief to the transport sector.

“The national fuel subsidy program aims to sustain public transport operations and maintain stable fares while global oil prices remain volatile,” Bendijo said.

The program may also include initiatives such as free rides for commuters in selected areas to further reduce the financial burden on the public.

Also, the LTFRB advised drivers who already hold fuel subsidy cards to validate or update them to ensure seamless access once the funds are released.

The move comes as oil companies implemented staggered price hikes beginning 10 March, driven by global supply concerns and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Diesel prices are expected to increase by P17 to P24 per liter, while gasoline could rise by P7 to P13 per liter.

In addition to the national program, several city governments have announced separate localized fuel subsidies to help drivers offset rising