MANILA TRIKE DRIVERS GET 5K CASH AID

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday oversaw the distribution of P5,000 cash relief assistance to tricycle drivers and operators in Manila, part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices caused by tensions in the Middle East.

“Kaya ito ang ginawa namin. Nagsimula ngayon para sa lahat lalo na ‘yung mga transport workers mga tricycle driver, pati lahat ng nagpapasada, lahat sa mga transport sector ay bibigyan namin ng tulong para naman may kaunting pampahabol sa pagtaas ng presyo,” President Marcos said in his message during the “Distribution of Cash Relief Assistance Para Sa Mga Tsuper.”

The President briefly interacted with driver-recipients and operators during the cash relief assistance distribution, which was held in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

“Iyon na ‘yung nagpapasada para hindi naman masyadong mahirapan kayo, hindi naman masyadong mahirapan ang mga commuter na pumupunta sa trabaho at kahit tumataas ang mga presyohan. Kaya ito ay patuloy namin gagawin hanggang ganito pa ang sitwasyon,” the President said.

“Kaya basta nandito lang ang inyong gobyerno para tulungan kayo,” President Marcos added.

The President was assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso during the distribution of the cash aid to the first batch of tricycle drivers in District 4 in the morning.

The first batch of 550 tricycle drivers from District 4 received the P5,000 assistance each. An afternoon distribution was also scheduled for 551 tricycle drivers in District 6.

President Marcos said rising oil prices reduce the income of drivers and operators while also affecting passengers who rely on public transportation.

The President said around 139,000 tricycle drivers in Metro Manila are expected to benefit from the government’s cash relief assistance.

“Sa buong Metro Manila, 139,000. Naglagay tayo ng … tatlumpu na ganitong distribution center sa buong Metro Manila,” President Marcos said.

“This is just the beginning of the distribution. This is something that we have to do because of the sudden increase in oil prices,” President Marcos said.

“Ganito ang nangyari. Pataas ng pataas lahat ng petroleum products kaya’t we have to do this para matulungan naman ang ating (mga kababayan),” President Marcos said.

The President said the assistance would first cover tricycle drivers, followed by jeepney drivers and then transport network vehicle services (TNVS) drivers.

In addition to cash assistance, the government is rolling out additional support measures to help the public cope with rising fuel prices.

The government is also continuing to have talks with oil companies to have a staggered fuel price increase, as well as other ways to help ease the burden of the public.