Cebu City eyes P35-million subsidy for transport sector

Local

CEBU City Hall is proposing a P35-million fuel subsidy for drivers across multiple transport sectors to help cushion the impact of the rising fuel costs.

But officials clarified that assistance will not be distributed equally, with amounts to vary depending on whether beneficiaries have already received aid from the national government.

At a budget hearing on Thursday, April 16, Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Kenneth Siasar said the city is still finalizing the number of beneficiaries but is targeting a broad pool that includes jeepney, taxi, tricycle, habal-habal, and motor-hailing drivers.

“We consider sectors that have already received assistance from the national government, so they do not get the same amount as those that have not,” Siasar said.

“For example, tricycle drivers already received aid from the national government. We are providing equitable—not equal—amounts based on beneficiaries' prior national aid,” he added, noting that the proposed fund would cover an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 drivers.

The subsidy, Siasar said, would be released in cash for faster distribution.

“The mayor's intention is to provide immediate relief, and that means cash,” he said.

However, Siasar emphasized that the city will adopt an “equitable,” not equal, approach in determining how much each sector will receive.

He cited tricycle drivers as an example, noting that some have already benefited from national subsidies and may therefore receive less compared to sectors that have not.

The proposal drew mixed reactions from councilors, many of whom raised concerns over the lack of clear guidelines and the potential for politicization, especially with the barangay elections approaching.

Councilor Harry Eran flagged reports that individuals had begun gathering names of supposed beneficiaries in the barangays even before the program had been finalized.

“It is very alarming because we do not know who is authorizing them,” Eran said, urging that beneficiary lists be certified by barangay captains to ensure accountability.

Councilor Jun Alcover, who has long advocated for the recognition of habal-habal drivers, warned against the inclusion of unverified beneficiaries.

He pointed out that the city already has a list of around 8,000 registered habal-habal drivers under a recently approved ordinance and cautioned that the subsidy could attract opportunistic applicants.

“There are people who may sign up just because there is aid. The list could balloon,” Alcover said, pushing for strict validation based on existing records.

Councilor Philip Zafra echoed the need for safeguards, proposing that the executive branch issue an executive order detailing the program’s guidelines, including eligibility, distribution mechanics, and verification processes.

Similar concerns were raised over the role of barangays in identifying beneficiaries.

While some councilors supported barangay certification for accountability, Councilor Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella II cautioned that coursing the process through barangays could expose the program to political influence.

He suggested tapping transport cooperatives and organized groups instead.

Siasar said the city is considering multiple data sources, including barangay records and transport associations, to ensure broader and more accurate coverage.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) is expected to implement the program once approved.

To further insulate the subsidy from political interference, Councilor Mikel Rama proposed adopting an “anti-epal” provision similar to that in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which prohibits politicians and candidates from participating in the distribution of aid.

Siasar said the executive would take the recommendation into consideration, along with other proposals raised during the hearing.

Despite the questions, councilors generally agreed on the need for immediate assistance to drivers, many of whom continue to grapple with high fuel costs.

Still, several members stressed that clear guidelines must be in place to ensure that the aid reaches legitimate beneficiaries.

“We need to make sure the benefits will reach the right people,” Councilor Joel Garganera said.(TGP)