Manila: The government will roll out a nationwide service contracting program starting April 15 to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on commuters and public transport workers, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Thursday. In a video message, Marcos stated that the initiative was approved following the latest meeting of the UPLIFT Committee, an inter-agency coordinating body led by the President to address the impacts of soaring fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.

According to Philippines News Agency, under the program, the government will compensate public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers between PHP40 and PHP100 per kilometer, in addition to their regular fare income. Commuters will also benefit from at least a 20-percent fare discount. The program will prioritize routes connected to train systems and major bus corridors to enhance connectivity and commuting efficiency, the President explained.

The service contracting scheme will be implemented nationwide, covering around 50,000 PUVs, 1,000 operators, and up to 15 million passengers. The program is set to operate during off-peak hours to ensure transport availability even outside rush hours, with Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring to ensure compliance and service quality. This initiative revives a pandemic-era program designed to stabilize public transport operations, now repurposed to address fuel-driven cost pressures.

The move comes as the Philippines grapples with a declared energy emergency, following global oil supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.