Leni Robredo mobilized Naga City’s immediate intervention for its transport sector, distributing a ₱500 daily fuel subsidy for jeepney drivers as rising fuel costs tied to tensions in the Middle East continue to strain operations.
The city government approved an ordinance granting qualified jeepney drivers fuel vouchers for one month. Robredo directed the accounting office to fast-track the release, turning approval into rapid rollout aimed at immediate relief for transport workers.
The assistance will not be given in cash. It will be issued as fuel vouchers redeemable only at accredited gas stations. Transport cooperatives will identify eligible drivers, focusing on those with valid franchises and established routes in Naga City.
More than ₱4.7 million has been allocated for the program. The funds were drawn from reverted savings under the Local Government Support Fund, originally intended for rice procurement, now redirected to fuel support for jeepney drivers facing higher operating costs.
The program will be supervised by the Naga City Urban Transportation and Mobility Council, and the Cooperatives Development Office. It is aligned with national assistance efforts. Once the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board releases its own aid, the city voucher distribution will pause for 10 days before resuming.
For drivers, the subsidy directly offsets daily fuel and household expenses.
Rolly Hubilla, who drives the Naga–Calabanga route, said the support eases family and transport costs.
“That would already be a big help to us, since I also have children, and give them money for transportation to school every day. Thank you to the LGU for thinking of helping us right away,” he said (per the Philippine Information Agency).
Angel Buenviaje said daily assistance becomes meaningful over time, while Leoner Aguilar noted that drivers have been given tentative schedules and welcomed coordination between local and national efforts.
The measure places Naga City’s response in operational terms, turning fuel support into structured daily relief for jeepney drivers keeping routes running under sustained pressure.
