MANILA — The initial rollout of a PHP10 per liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUVs) will begin in Metro Manila on April 14, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

In a Palace press briefing, LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the government has allocated an initial PHP1.5 billion budget for the program, which will cover up to 150 liters per week per vehicle until July 2026.

Mendoza said around 142,698 jeepney and UV Express units nationwide are expected to benefit from the subsidy, with about 14,000 gasoline stations participating in its implementation.

“Ang pasimula lang po dito sa Metro Manila, but with our coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation, naplano na ho namin iyong paano ito palalawakin sa lalong mabilis na panahon (This is just the beginning here in Metro Manila, but with our coordination with the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, we have already planned how we will expand it as soon as possible),” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier announced that the government will provide the PHP10 per liter fuel subsidy for PUVs for up to three months to help cushion the impact of rising oil prices.

He said the initial rollout will start along Commonwealth Avenue in Metro Manila before expanding to other major routes, including Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, E. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway.

The subsidy will be implemented through accredited gasoline stations monitored by the Department of Energy to prevent misuse.

Alongside this, the government will launch a nationwide service contracting program on April 15 aimed at easing the impact of fuel price increases on commuters and transport workers.

Under the program, the government will pay PUV operators and drivers between PHP40 and PHP100 per kilometer, in addition to their regular fare income.

Commuters are also set to benefit from at least a 20-percent fare discount.

Mendoza said a fare matrix will be released to guide commuters on the discounted fares, which must be displayed inside public transport vehicles.

“May dagdag na 20 percent po iyan. So, maglalabas ho tayo ng fare matrix para ho diyan na kailangan nakapaskil po sa sasakyan (There will be an additional 20 percent. So, we will release a fare matrix for that which needs to be posted on the vehicle),” he said.