By Politiko staff

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday assured the public that more measures will be implemented to curb the effects of the oil price surge on prices of basic goods and services, apart from extending fuel subsidies to affected sectors.

In a recorded video message, Marcos noted the government’s identification of aid measures, mostly fuel subsidies to transport and agriculture workers, to ease the initial shocks of the waves in oil price hikes.

He said more will be done in the coming days to ensure that these measures are felt by more Filipinos.

“Sinimulan na nitong Pebrero ang implementasyon ng local government support fund, yung LGSF. Sa mga nabigyan na, maaari na pong gamitin ang halagang ito upang bumili ng bigas sa ating mga magsasaka at ipamahagi sa kanilang mga komunidad,” the President said.

He called on local government units to see to it that there will be no pass-through fees charged for the transport of palay and rice in their areas.

“Nakarating sa akin na may ilan pang mga barangay na naniningil pa rito, eh sa bawat sako ng palay at sasakyan. Sana matigil na ninyo po ito dahil ang epekto lamang nito ay pinapagmahal ang presyo ng ating mga bilihin,” Marcos said.

He added that to protect consumers and businessmen alike, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will reduce fees such as passenger service charge, landing fee, parking fee, etc

“Ito ay makakatulong para bumaba ang gastos ng mga airline at ang mga pamasahe sa eroplano,” he said.

The Civil Aeronautics Board has shortened its period for reviewing fuel surcharges from one month to 15 days.

“Mas mabilis na maa-adjust ang pamasahe kapag nagbago ang presyo ng jet fuel. Ibig sabihin kapag tumaas ang presyo ng jet fuel mas kontrolado ang pagtaas ng airfare. At kapag bumaba naman ang presyo ng jet fuel, mas mabilis ding bababa ang pamasahe,” the President explained.

Marcos also ordered all government agencies to review their processes for licenses, permits, clearance, and certifications.

“Tignan ninyo kung alin dito ang pwede munang suspendihin o kaya ay babaan ang mga singil upang makabawas sa mga iniintindi ng taong bayan,” he said.

To ease the costs of education, Marcos stressed that it is illegal to charge fees and contributions in public school, especially during graduation season.

“Sa March 25 naman, magsisimula ang serbisyo fair ng DepEd. Dito ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno at mga employer ang pupunta sa eskwelahan upang makapag-apply ng trabaho ang mga high school student at graduate natin. Mas madali nang makakakuha ng clearance, hindi pa gagastos ng malaki sa pamasahe,” he added.

On Tuesday, March 17, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will begin the distribution of its P5,000 cash aid for 139,000 tricycle drivers in 17 LGUs in Metro Manila. Other regions will follow suit.

“Sa mga susunod na araw, ang mga jeepney at TNVS driver ay makakatanggap naman ng P5,000 na cash relief assistance. At sa huling linggo ng Marso, ilalabas na ng DOTr (Department of Transportation) ang fuel subsidy,” the President said.

“Pangalawa, kailangan matiyak na may sapat na supplier ng pagkain. Upang matulungan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, ipagpapatuloy ng Department of Agriculture ang pamimigay ng P3,000 na fuel subsidy sa ating mga magsasaka. Mahigit 26,000 magsasaka ang mabibigyan nito,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will also distribute a P3,000 fuel subsidy for 26,000 fishermen by Thursday, March 19.

The DA will also tap the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program to extend P2,000 in aid to fishermen and farmers.

He added that he has certified as urgent measures the bills that seek to slash fuel excise taxes and amend the Biofuels Act for the country to use more cost-efficient bioethanol.

Marcos added that the government will keep implementing its Love Bus program that offers free rides in Metro Cebu, Metro Davao at Metro Manila.