MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a bill proposing a P52.8 billion supplemental budget to expand subsidies for vulnerable sectors affected by the ongoing oil crisis.

Under Senate Bill No. 1986, Hontiveros said the proposed funding aims to strengthen government assistance programs for transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially as tensions in the Middle East threaten to prolong economic disruptions.

“Magandang simula ang suspension of excise taxes, pero hindi pwedeng yan ang solong sagot ng gobyerno sa lumalala, sanga-sanga at mukhang tatagal na oil crisis,” Hontiveros said.

“Kailangan natin ang supplemental budget para sa epektibo at hindi tingi na subsidy programs — para makabyahe ang mga driver at rider, makapagtrabaho ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at huwag tumigil ang ekonomiya,” she added.

The proposed package allocates P12 billion for transport subsidies benefiting public utility drivers, delivery riders, and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) operators. Part of the fund will also support the service contracting program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Another P2.8 billion is earmarked for agricultural subsidies under the Department of Agriculture (DA), intended to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with rising fuel and fertilizer costs and prevent potential food supply shortages.

The largest portion—P38 billion—will be used to support OFWs, including P18 billion for repatriation expenses and P20 billion for reintegration and livelihood programs, should thousands be forced to return due to escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Hontiveros noted that current government funds are insufficient, citing only P2.5 billion in transport subsidies from continuing 2025 funds, P150 million for agriculture, and P1.76 billion in emergency funds for OFWs under the Department of Migrant Workers.

She urged Congress to act swiftly on the proposal, noting that a counterpart measure has been filed in the House of Representatives by Akbayan lawmakers, including Chel Diokno.

“Itong gulo sa Middle East at ang oil crisis ay hindi matatapos bukas o sa susunod na linggo. Kailangan maging handa tayo, kahit gaano pa katagal ang problema,” Hontiveros said.

“We should start by ensuring that we have the funds to help our kababayans in the many challenging days ahead,” she added.