BBM Vlog on Feb. 1, 2026. Screen grabbed from Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr’s video/Facebook.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the release of Php 21.47 billion to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs and sustain infrastructure activities, the Department of Budget and Management said on Friday.
Of the total amount, Php 2.49 billion was earmarked for the Department of Transportation to fund its fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle drivers.
The bulk of the allocation, amounting to Php 18.65 billion, was channeled to the Department of Public Works and Highways to keep infrastructure projects running and preserve jobs in the construction sector.
An additional Php 324.36 million was also released to the same agency to settle outstanding obligations tied to foreign-assisted projects and ensure their timely completion.
Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said the funds were intended to help ease the burden on Filipinos and maintain essential services as global developments continue to affect the local economy.
He added that government intervention is necessary to support transport workers and commuters as fuel prices rise due to external factors.
Earlier in the week, authorities began distributing financial aid to public utility vehicle drivers, starting with tricycle operators in the National Capital Region.
Around 139,000 beneficiaries are set to receive Php 5,000 each under the Department of Social Welfare and Development program, while fuel subsidies from the Department of Transportation are scheduled for rollout by the end of March, with assistance levels varying by sector.
