DBM says ?238B set for targeted subsidies as fuel crisis persists
MANILA – The administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has earmarked around ₱238 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices, with assistance focused on vulnerable sectors rather than broad subsidies, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.
Speaking before the Legislative Energy Action Development (LEAD) Council, DBM Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo said the funds were sourced from the 2026 General Appropriations Act and continuing appropriations.
“To respond to the crisis, we have identified approximately ₱238 billion from available funds,” Toledo told lawmakers.
He emphasized that the government’s approach prioritizes targeted aid to those most affected, while maintaining fiscal discipline.
“We must remain prudent. Assistance should be directed to the most vulnerable sectors,” he said.
For the transport sector, Toledo noted that ₱2.5 billion has already been released, along with an additional ₱1 billion allocated for service contracting programs to help stabilize operations amid rising fuel costs.
Cash assistance is also being distributed through the Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, with funds ready for disbursement upon request.
Support is likewise being extended to overseas Filipino workers through repatriation assistance led by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Toledo added that existing programs can be expanded if necessary, including the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment and health-related interventions from the Department of Health.
For agriculture and fisheries, about ₱10 billion has already been released to the Department of Agriculture as presidential assistance to help offset rising production and logistics costs.
The LEAD Council—formed under the leadership of Speaker Faustino Dy III—brings together 13 House committees to coordinate fiscal, energy, and sectoral responses to global oil price volatility, which continues to drive up transport fares, food prices, and inflation.
The council is presided over by Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, who is leading efforts to align policy measures and ensure timely government response.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
