MANILA — Malacañang appealed to the public transport sector to place its trust in government interventions as fuel prices continue to rise, with some groups calling on Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take further action.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities are working to balance assistance for transport operators and relief for commuters affected by the surge in petroleum prices.

“Sa panahon ngayon, ang kailangan natin ay pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan. Alam po ni Pangulong Marcos, Jr. ang hinaing nating lahat dahil sa dulot ng sigalot sa Middle East,” she said.

(At this time, we need to unite and help each other. President Marcos Jr. understands our concerns brought about by tensions in the Middle East.)

“Hindi natin ginusto ito. Hindi ito kasalanan ng Pangulo at ng gobyerno,” Castro told Palace reporters.

(This was not our doing, nor is it the fault of the President or the government.)

Castro noted that the government has already extended assistance to the transport sector, including financial aid and fuel subsidies, and reiterated the call for cooperation.

“Alam rin po nating lahat na inuna ni Pangulo ang pag- ayuda sa transportation sector. Inuna silang bigyan ng financial assistance at fuel subsidy.

(The President also prioritized aid to the transport sector, providing financial assistance and fuel subsidies.)

“Ang hiling lang natin ay pang-unawa at pagtitiwala sa mga desisyon ng gobyerno na binabalanse ang pagtulong sa mga mananakay at sa mga transportation sector. Sana magtulungan tayong lahat sa gitna ng krisis sa Middle East” she said.

“What we ask is understanding and trust in the government’s decisions, which aim to balance support for commuters and transport operators. Let’s work together amid this crisis in the Middle East.)

Earlier, the President ordered the Department of Transportation to suspend planned fare increases for public utility vehicles, while assuring additional aid for affected drivers.

The government has also started distributing subsidies, beginning with tricycle drivers in Metro Manila.

However, transport groups staged a nationwide strike following continued increases in pump prices linked to the Middle East conflict.

The Piston group warned of further protests if their demands are not met, including the removal of excise taxes on fuel to help reduce costs.

Meanwhile, both chambers of Congress — the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives of the Philippines — have approved on third and final reading a measure that would grant the President emergency powers to suspend or reduce excise taxes on oil products.