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The fuel subsidy for PUV operators and drivers will last only two weeks, according to Pasang Masda, a transport group, amid rising fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“In the history of transportation sa jeep, ngayon lang po magtataas ng ganyan, 23 pesos, 20 pesos sa isang biglaang bagsak, napakabigay po ‘yan. Eh baka ho dalawang linggo lang, ubos na ho ‘yan,” Pasang Masda National President Obet Martin said
On March 2, 2026, the DOTr mentioned that they are working with the LTFRB in finalizing the issuance of 2.5 billion pesos fuel subsidy once the crude barrel price climbs to 80 USD.
Subsequently, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza said that the first option will be a fuel subsidy as a response to looming challenges brought by the Middle East conflict.
“Syempre ang first recourse po natin are non-fare increase options. So hopefully, di naman gusto nating ma-trigger yon pero pag na-trigger yung 80 dollars, our first option of course, will be probably fuel subsidy. Ang pamasahe, last option na natin,” he said
A transport group mentioned that the fuel subsidy that will be distributed for the operators will range from ₱6,500 to ₱ 10,000. Recently, drivers have lost ₱150 to ₱200 in their income due to oil price hike.
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The Manila Local Government Unit (LGU) will implement a four-day work-week for the offices of the city government. The offices providing frontline services are exempted to this measure.
Under Executive Order No. 8, series of 2026, the regular working schedule will be from Monday to Thursday, with extended working hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
According to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, this initiative serves as a participation of the city government in the national government’s energy conservation measures amid the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
“Kailangan po natin, iisa ang landas na tatahakin natin na siya ng pinangunahan ng Pangulo ng bansa at doon sasabay tayo sa lakbaying iyon,” he said
[“We need to follow a single path led by the President of the country, and there, we’ll walk with it’]
The Mayor also called on barangay officials to support the directives initiated by the national government.
“Mga barangay officials, I hope you can come up also with the same directives with regard to your barangay activities,” he added
He also encouraged the private sector to cooperate in the efforts of the local and national government.
“Hinihikayat ko din ang bawat pamilyang Manilenyo, nagnenegosyo sa loob ng Maynila na tahakin din ang landas na ating tinutungo ng national government at local government,” he said
Limitations in the availability of airspace and airports - that is the primary challenge for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to carry out repatriation for the Filipinos stuck in the Middle East tensions.
With this, the agency studies and evaluates all available options to ensure the safe repatriation of Filipinos who wish to return to the Philippines.
One of the potential solutions being considered is land travel. Individuals will be transported to a safe and secure location where they can be picked up to get back to the Philippines.
“We are looking in possible alternative ways. Ngayon, kung sarado ang air option, then possibly land options are there, but that is as far as I go. Di ko na sasabihin yung detalye for the safety of our people,” DMW Sec. Cacdac said
[“We are looking in possible alternative ways. At present, if the air option is unavailable, then possibly land options are there, but that is as far as I go. I’m not going to say a detail for the safety of our people,”]
Secretary Cacdac also emphasized waiting for the risk to go down to ensure their safety.
“We want those risks down to zero as much as possible before we undertake repatriation,” he added
With reports from Ryan Lacanlale
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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has issued a warning against fake news, claiming that the agency and the DMW distribute ₱150,000 in financial assistance for OFWs seeking repatriation.
The OWWA clarifies that they are not distributing that amount.
Hence, authorities expressed disappointment at circulating fake claims using different strategies, including AI-generated videos, amid ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs in the Middle East.
OWWA also dropped down their official programs and services for the OFWs, such as:
Authorities call on the public to refrain from relying on information from unverified sources and advise them to always visit the official social media pages of DMW and OWWA for credible and verified information.
A total of 299 Filipinos safely returned to the Philippines on March 6, 2026, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This repatriation is a result of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.
According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the group consists of 145 females, 127 males, 17 children, and 10 infants. The repatriates arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via Emirates Airlines Flight 336.
UNTV News and Rescue correspondent Ryan Lacanlale reported that the majority of the passengers were travelers whose flights were cancelled. The airlines have to fulfill their commitment and responsibility to the passengers in helping them to get back to the Philippines.
Among 299 passengers, 23 of them are OFWs together with 2 children. Most of them were able to return due to existing pre-booked flights.
In a social media post, DMW Sec. Cacdac extended his gratitude to the government of the UAE and other host countries for their cooperation to ensure the safety and security of the Filipinos.
“We thank the UAE government, the local government of Dubai sa pag-aalaga sa ating mga Kababayan. Also, to the government of host countries [Middle East] involved in this crisis for their safety protocols and defense system in place,” he said via DMW online issued statement
The DMW assured returnees would receive necessary assistance from the department and other concerned agencies, including:
No final schedule has been announced regarding the next batch of repatriation.
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