Marcos Jr. Administration Distributes Cash Aid to Tricycle Drivers Amid Rising Fuel Costs
The Philippine government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., began distributing ₱5,000 (approximately $88 USD) in cash assistance to tricycle drivers nationwide on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to help mitigate the impact of increasing gasoline prices. The initiative involves a coordinated effort between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and local government units (LGUs).
Nationwide Rollout and Presidential Involvement
President Marcos Jr. Personally spearheaded the distribution at the ASAC Covered Court in Barangay 627, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso expressed gratitude for the national government’s support, stating the aid would alleviate the difficulties faced by drivers due to fuel costs [The Chronicle].
Concerns Regarding Beneficiary Lists in Manila
Despite the rollout, some tricycle drivers in Manila City reported issues with the beneficiary lists. Members of the Association of Public Service Tricycle Operators and Drivers (ASPTODA) indicated that only a small fraction of their members – eight out of over 400 – initially received the cash aid.
Jack De Acosta, a sector commander, urged ASPTODA drivers to coordinate with their president to resolve discrepancies, emphasizing that only names submitted to the city government would be included in the distribution [The Chronicle].
Government Assurance and Distribution Details
City authorities assured the public that the distribution process is ongoing. In Manila alone, over 8,200 tricycle drivers are expected to receive aid over the following two days. President Marcos previously announced that approximately 139,000 tricycle drivers across Metro Manila are eligible for the program. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian stated that tricycle drivers were prioritized due to the readily available validated list of beneficiaries [The Chronicle].
Continued Support for the Transport Sector
Secretary Gatchalian similarly assured the sector that this financial assistance would not be a one-time event, and further support would be provided if fuel prices continue to rise [The Chronicle].
Recent DOTr Leadership Changes
This aid distribution follows a recent reshuffling of leadership within the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Friday, March 14, 2026, by Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez [The Chronicle] and [Philippine News Agency]. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Teofilo Guadiz III was among those appointed to new positions [The Chronicle].
Cabinet Resignations
In May 2025, several cabinet officials submitted ‘courtesy resignations’ following a directive from President Marcos Jr. To realign the government with the people’s expectations. Those who resigned included Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon [DZRH].