President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate release of a P5,000 fuel subsidy for public utility drivers to help cushion the impact of rising oil prices amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the financial assistance will be distributed beginning next week to jeepney and tricycle drivers who are among the sectors most affected by the recent spike in fuel costs.

To facilitate the rollout, Recto convened Metro Manila mayors on Wednesday, March 11, to coordinate the subsidy's distribution with local governments.

“Bilang mayors, kayo ang higit na nakakaalam sa tunay na sitwasyon at bilang ng mga tricycle at jeepney drivers sa inyong mga lungsod,” he said.

“Kaya mahalaga ang ating pagtutulungan. Sa mabuting koordinasyon at sabayang pagkilos, mas mabilis nating maipaparating ang tulong sa bawat driver na nangangailangan,” he added.

The initial distribution will begin in Metro Manila next week and will be led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Following the rollout in the capital region, the subsidy program will expand to other regions nationwide.

The fuel subsidy forms part of the administration’s efforts to provide immediate relief to sectors directly affected by higher fuel prices and to help protect the livelihoods of public utility drivers.

National government agencies will work closely with local government units to ensure  the assistance reaches qualified beneficiaries quickly and efficiently.

Earlier, Marcos said he would certify as urgent a proposed emergency powers measure that would allow the government to respond more swiftly to sharp increases in global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The President also said the Philippines is exploring alternative oil suppliers to help ensure a stable fuel supply amid volatility in the global energy market.