RIZAL PARK, Manila — With the first tranche of fuel subsidies for public utility drivers and operators nearing completion, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced that it is considering another round of financial aid to transport workers if fuel prices continue to surge in the following weeks.

At a press conference held at the renovated Rizal Park Hotel in Manila, DSWD secretary Rexlon 'Rex' Gatchalian clarified that the P5,000 being distributed to transport groups under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program is only the first phase of the government’s program to ease the burden of rising fuel costs on drivers.

“This is not going to be limited to one round, it’s going to be multiple rounds. In fact, that’s why I’m circling around to see the issues on the ground,” Gatchalian disclosed.

After Holy Week, he noted, there will be a special payout schedule for transport workers who were not included in the first round, “and then (DPWH) will immediately move on to the second round.”
Due to the high cost of fuel triggered by the disruption of oil supplies caused by the conflict in the Middle East, transport groups went on a two-day nationwide strike to drive home the point that the cash subsidy from the government is not enough to cover their needs.

One organization, Manibela, prodded the government to provide PhP10,000 in monthly cash assistance, instead of the one-time payout of PhP5,000.

But Gatchalian issued assurances that the government under President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. will continue to assist vulnerable sectors for as long as the crisis continues even as he cited that on April 8, the DSWD will begin distributing financial aid outside Metro Manila.

He explained that first in line would be the high-density areas, such as cities and particularly Regions III (Central Luzon) and IV-A (Calabarzon).

However, Gatchalian pointed out that physical appearance is a requirement in claiming financial assistance as issue on the correct listing of beneficiaries have cropped up in many payout centers.
Digitalizing the distribution of the financial assistance is also being considered, he added.