Senator Escudero Demands Urgent Fuel Subsidy for Transport Sector and Agricultural Workers
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero has issued a pressing appeal to both national and local governments, calling for the immediate provision of a "fuel differential subsidy" this April. This temporary aid targets drivers of public jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, and transport operators, aiming to alleviate the severe financial strain caused by recent oil price shocks that have disrupted operations across the Philippines.
Escudero's Call to Action Amid Widespread Transport Struggles
Escudero emphasized the urgency of this measure, stating, "I hope the national and the local government can give them fuel differential subsidy to PUJ/PUV/tricycles in the form of cash or voucher for fuel while the crisis is subsisting and the prices are still high for this month of April." He further added in Filipino, "Sana ay mabigyan ng karagdagang tulong ang ating mga drivers at transport operators bukod sa nailaan na ng pamahalaan para sa kanila sapagkat hindi naman talaga sapat ang subsidiyang binibigay," highlighting that existing government subsidies are insufficient.
Reports of Severe Financial Hardship in Key Regions
Transport groups in multiple locations have reported critical challenges due to soaring fuel costs. In Iloilo province, several cooperatives have reduced deployed units by more than half as diesel prices more than doubled, leaving operators with minimal or no income after covering fuel expenses. The city council in Cagayan de Oro declared a state of emergency after transport groups revealed that fuel costs were consuming nearly their entire daily earnings. Meanwhile, in Cebu, modern jeepney operators warned that their operations are on the brink of collapse as fuel prices continue to surge unchecked.
Extension of Subsidy to Farmers and Fishermen
Escudero also advocated for extending the same assistance to farmers and fishermen, following reports from a farmers' group during a recent Senate hearing. The group noted that the number of fisherfolk venturing out to sea in several Luzon provinces has dropped by nearly half due to spikes in petroleum product prices. "We must act quickly to prevent deeper disruptions in food production and supply," Escudero stressed. He reiterated in Filipino, "Huwag nating kalimutan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na gumagamit rin ng gasolina at lubhang apektado sa mataas na presyo," underscoring the broader impact on food security.
Proposed Subsidy Details and Temporary Nature
The proposed subsidy is designed to cover the difference between regular fuel prices and the unusually high rates observed this month. Escudero clarified that this measure is intended solely as a temporary buffer to help affected sectors cope during the ongoing crisis. He urged swift government action to mitigate further economic disruptions and support vulnerable communities reliant on fuel for their livelihoods.
