Photo courtesy of Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook.
Senator Win Gatchalian backed efforts to widen the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) net service contracting program to help public utility vehicle drivers maintain income amid rising fuel costs.
He said he was prepared to support additional funding for the initiative once Congress takes up a supplemental budget under the proposed Bayanihan 3 measure.
Gatchalian noted that the program was designed to stabilize earnings for drivers by ensuring they receive fixed payments per kilometer traveled rather than relying solely on passenger volume.
He explained that this setup allows drivers to continue working on their routes while also providing commuters with discounted fares.
The senator said the policy helps reduce the financial strain on operators and drivers, especially during periods of volatile fuel prices.
“Nakikita ko, this program is really meant to help the income of our drivers. Nagtatrabaho ang mga drivers at mayroon silang kinikita,” Gatchalian said.
Transportation officials said the program required significant funding to sustain operations, with estimates placing its short-term cost in the billions of pesos.
The Department of Transportation earlier said it had allocated initial funds for the program but would need additional support from Congress and local government units to expand coverage nationwide.