Some drivers in Mandaue City have complained that they are unable to benefit from the government's fuel subsidy program because most of the benefits have gone only to diesel-powered public vehicles.
According to Steve Tangub, a driver of a gasoline-powered vehicle, they were not included in the discounts and assistance provided by the government, even though the rise in fuel prices greatly affects their income.
"Diesel users have benefited from a P10 per liter discount, but we who use gasoline have not received any benefits at all," Tangub said.
He pointed out that the price of gasoline once reached almost P74 per liter, making their daily operations very difficult.
Because of this, many gasoline-powered drivers have been forced to look for gas stations with lower prices to minimize their fuel costs.
Tangub added that gas stations known to have the cheapest prices in Mandaue are usually filled with vehicles and have long lines of motorists wanting to save money.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo Ramos, a driver of a diesel-powered vehicle, also complained about the lack of assistance they received. Although they benefited from the P10 per liter discount, many in their sector still did not receive the promised P5,000 fuel assistance and the additional P1,500 aid.
"We are disappointed because many of our drivers did not receive the promised aid. We have no choice but to continue our livelihood because we cannot stop driving," Ramos said.
He also explained that there are limitations and processes in using the fuel discount that sometimes make it difficult to manage their daily fuel consumption.
Adding to their concerns is the start of the new school year, which will also increase their family expenses.
According to the drivers, even though there is a temporary decrease in fuel prices, they remain afraid that prices will rise again due to global events such as conflicts and wars.
Because of this, they are calling on the government to expand and make the fuel subsidy program more equitable so that all drivers affected by the rise in petroleum prices, especially those using gasoline, can be included.
