Philippines to Consider Fuel Discount for Middle Class

The Philippines has begun studying assistance or subsidies for middle-income groups affected by rising fuel prices. (PNA)

JAKARTA - The Philippine government has begun reviewing assistance for middle-income groups affected by rising fuel and basic commodity prices. One of the options discussed is the possibility of expanding fuel discounts to private vehicle drivers.

Launching the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Tuesday, April 14, the discussion was carried out in the committee for the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport or UPLIFT led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Deputy Minister of Finance of the Philippines Karlo Fermin Adriano said the government is now discussing ways to help not only the poorest groups, but also the middle class. "It is being discussed at UPLIFT ... how to help all parties, not only the poorest, but also the middle-income group," said Adriano quoted by PNA.

The UPLIFT Committee was formed through Executive Order No. 110 last month to address the impact of the energy emergency due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Its tasks include stabilizing fuel and food prices, supporting important sectors such as farmers, fishermen, and transportation workers, and protecting consumers through subsidies aimed at certain groups.

Adriano also said the government was open to expanding the fuel discount currently given to public passenger vehicles or PUVs to private vehicle drivers.

Last week, President Marcos announced a fuel subsidy of 10 Philippine pesos per liter for PUVs for a maximum of three months. The program will be launched first in Metro Manila, starting from Commonwealth Avenue, then expanded to other major routes such as Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, E. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway.

Subsidies will be distributed through accredited fuel filling stations supervised by the Philippine Department of Energy to prevent abuse.

The Philippine government insists that assistance remains a priority for the most affected groups. Philippine Energy Minister Sharon Garin said the move was necessary so that economic pressure would not spread. "If the most affected parties are not immediately helped, the situation could worsen and affect the entire economy," he told PNA.

In addition to subsidies, the Philippine government is also taking other steps, such as reducing port costs and removing a number of logistics costs. According to local officials, this policy has helped to contain rising prices of goods and services, thereby indirectly alleviating the burden on middle-income households.