The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun the distribution of ₱5,000 cash relief assistance to the NCR-based tricycle drivers today, March 17, 2026. This program is implemented under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez clarified on March 16, 2026, that the assistance from AICS is different from the ₱2.5-B fuel subsidy for operators and drivers.

“Linawin ko lang po, dalawang programa po ito. Sa AICS po, limang libo po iyan.  Alalahanin natin na mayroon ding ₱2.5-B fuel subsidy under DOTr,” he said 

[“I’d like to clarify that these are two separate programs. Under AICS, that’s five thousand. Let us also remember that there is also a ₱2.5 billion fuel subsidy under DOTr.”]

During the rollout of cash assistance under DSWD, DOTr Sec. Lopez announced that the fuel subsidy distribution will begin in the last week of March.

“We can start the rolling out ng ating fuel subsidy by last week of March,” he said

[“We can start rolling out our fuel subsidy by last week of March.”]

The following sectors are to benefit from the fuel subsidy under DOTr:

• Bus operators and drivers
• Traditional and modern jeepney operators and drivers
• Taxi drivers
• Transport network vehicle service drivers
• Delivery rides
• Tricycle drivers

This program aims to provide assistance to the affected operators and drivers amid rising oil prices in the global market.

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