Taxi drivers, together with operators of transport network vehicle services and freight forwarding cargo trucks, will be covered by the “Pantawid Pasada” subsidy program of the government under a legislative measure filed by a House of Representatives leader.
House Deputy Speaker and 1Pacman party-list Rep. Michael “Mikee” Romero made this proposal as he filed House Resolution No. 349 urging government to allocate funds for the expanded Pantawid Pasada program by using a portion of its income from the Malampaya gas.
HR 349 also proposes to authorize President Duterte to establish a Philippine Strategic Fuel Reserve program that will be government’s response to fuel shortage crisis events.
Romero explained that sudden rise in fuel prices has become a heavy burden to TNVS and taxicab drivers that government assistance has become imperative.
The proposal has gained strong support in the House of Representatives as oil prices in the country are expected to soar further due to the recent terrorist attack on oil fields of Saudi Arabia.
HR No. 349 also calls for the stockpiling of fuel to respond to adverse situations brought about by oil price shortages.
Romero aired hopes that HR 349 will cushion the economic impact of the sharp rise in oil prices triggered by the drone strikes at Saudi Aramco’s oil processing facilities in Saudi Arabia.
The terrorist attack reduced the production of crude, oil, and gas from Saudi Arabia, a principal supplier of the Philippines, it was reported. (Ben Rosario)