Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of P5,000 fuel subsidies to over a thousand tricycle drivers in Metro Manila, aiming to cushion the impact of rising oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict.
The rollout, joined by Rex Gatchalian and Isko Moreno, forms part of a broader program targeting more than 500,000 transport workers nationwide.
Officials said the assistance will expand across the country by April, alongside plans for a “Libreng Sakay” program and possible suspension of fuel excise taxes to ease costs.
Meanwhile, lawmakers, including Martin Romualdez, are pushing urgent measures to grant the President authority to lower fuel prices through tax relief.
Despite these efforts, some transport workers expressed skepticism, citing concerns over aid distribution and the continuing burden of high fuel costs.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 18, 2026
