Philippines: Cash Aid for TNVS, PUV Drivers & Jeepney Operators Announced

March 25, 2026 Emma Walker – News Editor News

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government began distributing financial assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators nationwide on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as soaring fuel prices continue to strain livelihoods. The rollout, a response to rising costs linked to the US-Iran conflict, aims to provide relief to over 245,000 beneficiaries, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The initial phase of the P2.5 billion program saw nearly 30 bus operators at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) receive P10,000 per unit, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Overseeing the distribution. The aid is being delivered through fuel subsidy cards, manager’s checks, bank account transfers, electronic wallets, or cash, depending on the vehicle type and recipient.

Specific subsidy amounts vary significantly. Public Utility Bus (PUB) operators are eligible for P10,000, while PUB drivers receive P5,000. Minibus operators can claim P9,000, with drivers receiving P5,000. Point-to-Point (P2P) operators and drivers are also eligible for P10,000 and P5,000 respectively. School transport operators receive P5,000, with drivers also receiving P5,000. Taxi operators are allocated P2,000, while taxi drivers receive P5,000.

UV Express operators and drivers are also included, with modern UV Express operators receiving P10,000 and drivers P5,000. Traditional UV Express operators receive P5,000, with drivers also receiving P5,000. Modern Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) operators are eligible for P10,000, while drivers receive P1,500. Traditional PUJ operators receive P5,000, with further details on driver subsidies for traditional PUJs yet to be fully released.

The DSWD is also distributing P5,000 in cash assistance to jeepney drivers in Metro Manila under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is responsible for compiling the beneficiary lists for Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), delivery riders, motorcycle taxis, and PUJs in Metro Manila. The DSWD is coordinating with the LTFRB to process payroll for the cash relief.

The DSWD cautioned TNVS drivers against confronting payout staff and advised them to verify their eligibility through their respective Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). The agency clarified that it is not directly providing the list of driver-beneficiaries, but rather processing the payments based on lists provided by the LTFRB.

Distribution of aid to tricycle drivers and delivery service workers is scheduled to initiate after Holy Week, according to the DOTr. The fuel subsidy program is triggered when global oil prices reach at least $80 per barrel for one calendar month, as certified by the Department of Energy (DOE).

As of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at least 2,488 jeepney drivers in Manila are expected to receive the DSWD’s P5,000 financial assistance.