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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said more than 1.1 million jeepney drivers across the country had received cash assistance as fuel prices remained elevated.
The agency reported on Saturday that a total of 1,130,333 drivers had been given relief amounting to over Php 5.65 billion under its assistance program.
DSWD earlier expanded coverage of the payout, including drivers in Region 1, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of higher fuel costs and reduced daily earnings.
The cash assistance is being released through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which provides support to vulnerable sectors.
Officials said the fuel price increases were partly driven by tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted oil transport routes and affected global supply.
Industry estimates cited by authorities indicated that diesel prices may roll back in the coming week, while gasoline prices could either remain steady or increase slightly.
Energy officials also noted that price adjustments were being monitored under a state of energy emergency, which allows government to set parameters for fuel price movements.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said oil companies were required to follow government guidelines on allowable price adjustments, aimed at managing fluctuations in fuel costs.