A transport group is advocating for an increase in the per-liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUVs) from P10 to P15 to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices.

Melencio 'Boy' Vargas, president of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), highlighted that during a consultation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the group was asked to choose between a P15 fuel subsidy or a P1 fare increase.Vargas emphasized that the P15 subsidy is preferred to avoid burdening commuters with higher fares.The proposed subsidy, if approved, would be expanded nationwide to cover areas without existing discounts.This comes after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.previously announced a P10-per-liter subsidy for PUVs, capped at 150 liters per week, to ease driver costs.The LTFRB is also reviewing fare adjustments, considering calls for a P2 increase and a pending petition for a P10 fare hike.Rising pump prices are expected next week, with diesel reaching P6 to P6.50 per liter and gasoline at P5.50 to P6.00 per liter.The subsidy debate reflects broader economic challenges as fuel costs soar due to global crises.