Transport groups: Fuel subsidy not enough amid big-time oil price hike

Transport groups welcomed the government fuel subsidy in the face of this week’s big-time oil price hike but said this is not enough to allay concerns about the future of their jobs and the possible increase in the cost of basic commodities.

In Bernadette Reyes’ report on 24 Oras on Monday, motorists endured long lines to fill up their fuel tanks before the increased prices kicked in on Tuesday morning.

A number of gas stations ran out of fuel stocks several hours before the first installment of this week’s big-time oil price hike. 

Several pumps in Quezon City ran out of unleaded gasoline and diesel, with only more expensive premium gas left. 

 Fuel subsidy

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation said the government’s fuel subsidy for buses, taxis, UV Express, TNVS, ride hailing services and delivery vehicles will also include unconsolidated jeepneys. This will be managed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will manage the fuel subsidy for tricycles.    

Jeepney driver Boy Dingcong welcomed the news, noting the difficulties in traffic and the lack of passengers. TNVS driver Elmer Caduyac said the fuel subsidy is a big help.

Some transport groups express gratitude for the fuel subsidy but hopes some problems from before would not be repeated. 

Obet Martin, the national president of Pasang Masda, said some cards issued by the Landbank did not contain funds.

Despite the announcement of the fuel subsidy, the group PISTON proceeded with its protest action, demanding long term solutions as they claimed the subsidy would only last a few days.

The group threatened its members would stop operating if diesel reaches P60 per liter. 

“Hindi lamang sa NCR kundi sa buong bansa. Dahil siya naman ang Pangulo ng ating bansa puede sya maglabas ng executive order na isuspinde yung usapin ng mataas na buwis sa produktong petrolyo sa ilalim ng VAT at excise tax sa langis,” said PISTON national president Mody Floranda.

(Not just in Metro Manila but the whole country. Since he is President of the country he could issue an executive order to suspend the high taxes on petroleum products under the Value Added Tax and excise tax on oil.)

DOE

But according to the Department of Energy, it is beyond their hands or power to do so.

“Wala po tayo sa lugar. Iyan ay gawain at wisdom na panggagalingan po ng Congress,” said Director Rino Abad of the DOE – Oil Industry Management Bureau.

(That is beyond us.That falls within the authority and wisdom of Congress.)

“”Pag-uusapan ‘yan kung saka-sakali, kung ano ang magiging epekto niyan. Dahil kapag nawala ‘yang P400 billion collection revenue ng gobyerno, ano ho ang ipapalit?”, he added.

(That would be discussed in any event, of what the effects would be. If the P400 billion collection revenue is lost, what would replace it?)

Currently, Abad said the DOE is continuing to look for programs and work with oil companies to curb the effects of rising price of petroleum that include providing discount promos.

Aside from motorists, both consumers and vendors are concerned about the possible increase in the price of basic commodities such as food. —RF, GMA Integrated News