MANILA, Philippines — Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has filed House Bill (HB) No. 8340, known as the Fuel Subsidy Program Act, which seeks to establish a permanent and comprehensive financial aid system for sectors most vulnerable to oil price volatility.
The bill moves away from temporary emergency “dole-outs,” proposing instead a regular, continuing government initiative. Under the program, qualified beneficiaries would receive cash assistance of not less than ₱7,000, sourced from the annual national budget.
Target Beneficiaries Include:
- Transportation: Low-income operators and drivers of jeepneys, buses, taxis, tricycles, and registered TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Services).
- Fisheries: Municipal fisherfolk using motorized vessels weighing three tons or less.
- Agriculture: Low-income farmers and farmworkers using fuel-powered machinery for irrigation, land preparation, or transport of produce.
- Other Sectors: Vulnerable groups identified by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Rep. Yamsuan emphasized that the subsidy is a strategic measure to maintain food security and stabilize headline inflation. “By sustaining the operations of farmers and drivers, we ensure that essential activities—from food distribution to daily commuting—are not disrupted by skyrocketing fuel prices,” he explained.
The proposal comes as the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) warned of a worst-case scenario where diesel prices could hit ₱96 per liter if the Middle East conflict continues to block the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, transport groups like Manibela report that jeepney drivers are already losing half of their daily income due to fuel costs.
To ensure the aid reaches the correct recipients, the bill mandates that all beneficiaries be registered in existing government databases, which would also help streamline future distributions and strengthen sectoral records.