The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that farmers and fisherfolk affected by the ongoing oil price hike will receive a fuel subsidy under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. disclosed that ₱150 million has been allocated—₱75 million each for fisherfolk and farmers—to help mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.
DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa noted that the release of funds will be triggered once Dubai crude oil prices reach US$80 per barrel.
He added that while the Middle East conflict’s effect on fertilizer prices has yet to be felt, the impact may emerge by the last quarter of the year.
De Mesa assured the public that the country has an adequate fertilizer supply expected to last until the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are ready to distribute fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle drivers and operators.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon clarified that being part of a consolidated group is not a requirement for receiving aid, as the program aims to be inclusive given the universal impact of the oil price surge.
DOTr and LTFRB are coordinating with agencies including the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and LandBank of the Philippines to expedite distribution.
The government has issued a directive to ensure swift disbursement of the fuel subsidy nationwide.
Separately, Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena urged the government to investigate private oil companies’ buffer stock following rapid price increases amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
Valbuena questioned the immediate price jumps, citing that only 10% of the country’s oil imports come from Iran and that buffer stocks should be sufficient for at least one to two months.
He also warned that if price hikes continue and burden drivers and operators further, the transport group may seek a one-peso fare increase to ease operational challenges.