The government said on Monday said that the government is readying the rollout of the fuel subsidy program and has persuaded oil companies to stagger large-scale fuel price hikes on Tuesday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has called for a meeting of the economic team on Tuesday, when prices of about P5 for diesel and kerosene and around P3 for gasoline.

Petron Corp.will be implementing a P1.75 per liter increase for gasoline, a P2.40 per liter increase for kerosene, and a P2.60 per liter increase for diesel on June 24. The second half of their price increase will be on June 26, 6AM, with a P1.75 per liter increase of gasoline, P2.40 per liter increase of kerosene, and a P2.60 per liter increase for diesel.

In a statement, the Department of Energy (DOE) said that the staggered price hike was decided following a meeting between Officer-in-Charge Sharon Garin and Undersecretary Alessandro Sales with downstream oil industry representatives on Monday.

“Our dialogue with industry players today reflects our shared commitment to balance economic realities with the need to shield our people from sudden price shocks, and we are pleased to report that they have responded positively to our request” Garin said.

Assistant Transportation Secretary and spokesman Mon Ilagan said they are " rushing the guidelines for the distribution of the fuel subsidy program.'' We'll release the list of qualified beneficiaries after it is finalized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)," he said.

Public utility drivers and operators of traditional and modern jeepneys, UV Express, bus, tricycle, and delivery riders may be able to benefit from the subsidy program, with the list of those qualified sent to regional directors for verification and certification.

The DOE has also given DOTr certification to use P2.5 billion under the 2025 budget for the fuel subsidy program, Ilagan added.

"As ( Transportation) Secretary (Vince) Dizon ordered, once the price hike of an estimated P5 for diesel and P3 for gas takes effect, we will immediately release the fuel subsidy," Ilagan explained.

Transport group Manibela with other transport organizations held a rally along Commonwealth Avenue on Monday, requesting the fuel subsidy to increase to P8,000 and for it to be rolled out by July 10.

Ilagan also said that the DOTr is coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to assist tricycle drivers and ride-hailing services to be part of the possible recipients of the fuel subsidy. Velle White/DMS