Concerns are mounting over the government’s fuel subsidy program for ride-hailing platforms after figures raised during a congressional hearing suggested that the number of listed beneficiaries may already rival or even exceed support allocated to farmers and fisherfolk.
During the discussion, FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe flagged the scale of rider lists submitted by platforms, particularly Move It, warning that including all listed riders without proper validation could significantly increase the financial burden on the government. He noted that the projected number of beneficiaries could reach around 170,000, raising questions about how the lists were compiled and whether they reflect active riders.
“However, this is concerning kasi kung lahat ng mga MOVE IT riders magkakaroon ng fuel subsidy,” Poe said, pointing to the potential cost if all names are approved for assistance.
The fuel subsidy program is intended to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on transport workers. However, Poe warned that the current system may allow inflated or unverified lists, increasing the risk of duplicate entries across platforms and the inclusion of inactive riders.
“Kasi they might double up on their subsidies,” he said, adding that lists must clearly identify which riders are active to ensure proper targeting of assistance.
Poe emphasized that subsidies should prioritize riders who are actively operating and relying on daily trips for income. He also underscored that the funds involved come from taxpayers and must be distributed with care.
He further noted that if left unchecked, the scale of the rider lists could result in fuel subsidy allocations that rival or exceed support given to farmers and fisherfolk, raising concerns about fairness across sectors.
Poe called on ride-hailing platforms to submit updated and verified rider data, including activity breakdowns, to ensure that only qualified beneficiaries receive fuel aid and that public funds are used efficiently.
