Marcos unveils more subsidies to cushion impact of Mideast conflict
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlined government measures to alleviate the impact of the Middle East conflict on oil prices, including fuel and cash subsidies. The DSWD is set to distribute P5,000 cash relief to 139,000 tricycle drivers across 17 LGUs in Metro Manila starting March 17, and later to those outside the capital. The President also ordered a review of regulatory requirements and called on LGUs to waive 'pass thru fees' for essential goods. Urgent bills on petroleum excise tax reduction and Biofuels Act amendments have also reached the Senate floor to address surging fuel prices.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced comprehensive government measures on March 16, 2026, to cushion the economic impact of the Middle East conflict on oil prices. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) began distributing P5,000 cash aid to approximately 139,000 tricycle drivers across Metro Manila starting March 17, with simultaneous distribution at 30 designated payout locations across 17 local government units. The cash assistance is part of the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, with a P60 billion budget for 2026. The program will later extend to other public utility vehicle drivers including jeepney, bus, and transport network vehicle service operators, with plans for nationwide rollout.
In addition to transport subsidies, the government is providing P3,000 fuel subsidies to over 26,000 farmers through the Department of Agriculture and similar P3,000 aid to 26,000 fishermen through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The DA also offers P2,000 cash assistance through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program. The government maintains the 'Love Bus' program providing free transportation in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, and has coordinated with local oil companies to gradually adjust fuel prices over several weeks to lessen the burden on citizens.
President Marcos certified two urgent bills to the Senate: Senate Bill No. 1965 amending the Biofuels Act of 2006 to authorize the President to permit importation of biofuel components for up to one year when blended fuel prices rise at least 5% above regular prices, and Senate Bill No. 1982 allowing temporary suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products until December 31, 2028. The President also ordered a review of regulatory requirements and called on local government units to waive 'pass thru fees' for essential goods.
The administration emphasized that fuel supply remains stable with approximately two months of national demand in reserves. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian noted that while each individual receives P5,000, additional support may be provided if Middle East oil price instability persists. The government's multi-pronged approach combines immediate cash relief with longer-term policy adjustments to address both current price pressures and future energy security concerns amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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