THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has welcomed the distribution of P6,500 fuel subsidies under the Fuel Subsidy Program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
This was gleaned in a press statement issued recently by CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia.
Over 377,000 qualified public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators who are operating jeepneys, UV express, taxis, tricycles, and other full-time ride-hailing and delivery services nationwide will receive the subsidy.
Of the total P2.5 billion approved funds to be released, P1.75 billion or 70 percent will be allocated to PUVs under Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; and P625 million or 25 percent to tricycles with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The remaining P125 million or five percent will be released to the Department of Trade and Industry delivery services.
De Guia said the transportation sector is directly affected by the escalating fuel price due to the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Considering the blows they have suffered during the series of pandemic lockdowns, the said sector urgently need fuel subsidy to sustain their livelihood and to gradually recover from the compounding crises, she said.
The commission recognizes the effort of the government to cushion the transportation sector from the impact of the huge increase in oil price, de Guia said.
"We also note the intention of the government to control inflation and to help keep the fare price at bay through the fuel subsidies to," the CHR official said.
This immediate response will also benefit the commuters especially now that most businesses and offices are back to full operations, she added.
"Given that oil prices may continue to remain unstable, we also look forward to the long-term plan to mitigate the impact of the crisis to poor households," de Guia said.
"We urge the government to explore and study other options that can help ensure a stable fuel price in the long run," she added. "In all situations of crisis, especially those that pose serious economic implications, let us put primacy to the welfare and dignity of the most impoverished sectors."