Tricycle Drivers Denied P5,000 Aid Due to Missing Names in Government List
Several tricycle drivers in Quezon City were unable to receive a P5,000 cash assistance payment from the government, despite the ongoing surge in fuel prices, after their names were not found on the official beneficiary list. This incident has sparked frustration among drivers who rely on this critical support during economic hardships.
Long Waits and Disappointments at Payout Center
According to reports, many members of the Batasan TODA (BATODA) association arrived early at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) payout center in Batasan Hills, Quezon City on March 17, 2026. Some drivers waited approximately 30 minutes to enter the payout area, while others endured several hours of waiting. The process required drivers to present their driver's license and a photocopy to claim the aid.
However, out of over 2,000 BATODA members, only around 1,500 were included in the master list. This discrepancy left numerous drivers complaining about their exclusion, especially those who have been working in the transportation sector for an extended period.
Explanations and Ongoing List Adjustments
BATODA president Genlie Pesico explained that some names were temporarily separated from the list due to insufficient details, such as missing middle initials or birth dates. In Barangay Holy Spirit, additional drivers could not locate their names on the list, even though they were part of earlier released records.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured that all tricycle drivers will eventually receive the assistance. He emphasized that the submission and adjustment of beneficiary lists are still ongoing. Based on agency records, up to 139,000 tricycle drivers in Metro Manila are targeted to receive help from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) fund.
Broader Implications and Transport Strike Plans
Following this, other public utility vehicle drivers are expected to receive similar assistance in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation has approved a P1 fare increase for traditional jeepneys. However, according to the transport group MANIBELA, this increase is insufficient, leading to plans for a nationwide transport strike on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The situation highlights the challenges in distributing aid efficiently and the growing tensions within the transport sector as drivers grapple with rising operational costs and inadequate support measures.
