THE Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection is urging the government to immediately release the fuel subsidies intended for public utility vehicle drivers, who continue to bear the brunt of rising fuel prices in recent weeks. This call comes amid renewed pleas from transport groups for fare hikes to cope with the surge in fuel costs.
LCSP, however, maintains that the more equitable solution is to provide direct subsidies to drivers rather than pass the burden onto commuters through higher fares.
Previously, LCSP acknowledged that a provisional one-peso fare hike might be understandable given the rising fuel prices. Upon further study, however, it found that all requirements for the release of the fuel subsidy had already been complied with, making subsidies the better and more just option compared to fare increases.
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 to certify that global crude oil prices have reached $80 per barrel before funds can be released.
In June 2025, the Department of Transportation, tasked with identifying qualified beneficiaries, had already begun drafting the guidelines for distribution and expressed readiness to implement the program. More importantly, DOTr Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Mon Ilagan confirmed in a June 23 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.
Meanwhile, PUV drivers—still grappling with elevated fuel costs—remain steadfast in their call for fare hikes. LCSP stresses 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.
Accordingly, LCSP reiterates its 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.
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Atty. Albert N. Sadili
Spokesperson
Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP)
09660859816 – Viber and Mobile number
