BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Representative Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez is stepping in to fill a critical gap in government aid, pledging ₱2 million of his personal funds to provide immediate fuel relief to the city’s transport sector.
The initiative, announced during a ceremonial launch on Thursday, April 16, 2026, aims to support approximately 1,780 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers who are currently caught between rising operational costs and delayed national subsidies.
The ₱2-million allocation, sourced directly from Benitez’s congressional salary, is designed as a stop-gap measure while the transport sector awaits the release of official government funds.
- The Benefit: Each qualified driver will receive a fuel subsidy card worth ₱1,000.
- Redemption: The cards can be used at designated gasoline stations located along the drivers’ registered routes throughout Bacolod.
- Rapid Rollout: Beneficiary lists are being finalized by the Bacolod City Congressional Office, with distribution scheduled to be completed no later than Saturday, April 18.
The “Fuel Subsidy Program” comes at a time when local transport groups are reeling from the volatility caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
- Persistence of High Prices: Benitez noted that government support will likely be needed through the end of the year, as fuel costs remain sensitive to global geopolitical shifts.
- Optimism for Rollbacks: Despite the current strain, industry projections for the coming week offer a glimmer of hope, with a potential diesel price drop of ₱18 to ₱20 per liter and a smaller decrease for gasoline.
While the current cash injection provides short-term relief, Benitez is continuing his push for a more sustainable long-term solution: the transition to electric jeepneys (e-jeeps).
- Solar Integration: The representative is exploring the development of solar-powered charging stations in Bacolod to decouple public transport from fossil fuel prices.
- Sustainable Mobility: “We aim to provide practical support that can sustain their livelihood today, while working toward a future where our drivers aren’t vulnerable to global oil shocks,” Benitez said.
As Bacolod’s transport sector navigates the State of National Energy Emergency, the private-funded subsidy serves as a vital bridge, ensuring that the city’s primary mode of public transportation remains operational for the thousands who depend on it daily.