MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros called on the government to respond to the concerns of transport workers and commuters as fuel prices are set to rise anew, warning of worsening challenges in the public transport sector.

In a statement, Hontiveros stressed the need for immediate intervention, noting that more commuters are turning to public transportation to save money, while fewer public utility vehicles (PUVs) are operating due to financial losses.

“Kailangan makinig at umaksyon ang pamahalaan sa daing ng ating mga tsuper at commuter, ngayong tataas na naman ang presyo ng langis. Dumarami ang gustong magtipid at sumakay sa public transport, pero kumokonti ang bumabyaheng PUVs dahil sa lugi.”

The senator said existing measures are insufficient, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions beyond the temporary suspension of excise taxes on fuel. She acknowledged the government’s P5,000 transport subsidy as a starting point but said it should be expanded.

“We badly need concrete transport solutions – way beyond the suspension of excise taxes. Magandang simula ang P5,000 transport subsidy, pero kulang iyan at dapat palawakin. Yung isang unit ng modern jeepney ngayon- lugi na ng P1,000 kada araw ng biyahe.”

Hontiveros also cited her proposed Senate Bill No. 1986, which seeks to allocate a P52.8-billion subsidy package, including P12 billion dedicated to transport assistance for drivers and operators.

“I filed Senate Bill No. 1986, which proposes a P52.8 billion subsidy package, part of which is a P12 billion fund for transport subsidy. Malaking bagay iyan sa ating transport sector, sa ating PUV drivers, delivery riders, at TNVS drivers.”

She added that support should extend beyond drivers to transport cooperatives, which shoulder fuel expenses and loan payments for modern jeepneys. The senator pushed for an expanded service contracting program to ensure continuous operations without relying solely on financial aid.

“Beyond drivers, dapat din tulungan ang transport cooperatives, na sumasapo sa gastos ng diesel, at sa pagbayad ng bank loans para sa mga bagong jeep. Sa pamamagitan ng expanded service contracting program, magagawa ng transport coops ang trabaho nila at babyahe ang mga tsuper sa kanilang ruta, imbes na tumigil at umasa sa ayuda.”

Hontiveros also called for faster distribution of subsidies and the removal of bureaucratic hurdles, particularly the “first owner” rule, which she said complicates access to assistance for many operators and drivers.

“Dapat ding pabilisin ang distribution ng transport subsidies at alisin ang red tape: Halimbawa, dapat ayusin ang ‘first owner’ rule sa pagrehistro sa ayuda, dahil pahirap ito sa maraming operator o tsuper na 2nd o 3rd owner na ng kanilang jeepney units.”

The senator urged the administration to act swiftly to prevent a broader disruption in the transport sector and mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers.

“Ang mahalaga, agarang kumilos ang Malakanyang at ang buong gobyerno. Huwag na natin hintayin na maparalisa ang buong transport sector at tumaas lalo ang presyo ng bilihin. Pagsikapan natin ang mga solusyon na hinihintay ng taumbayan.”