(File photo)
MANILA – The Duterte government is implementing measures to tame the rise in consumer prices, Malacañang guaranteed on Tuesday.
In a virtual Palace press briefing, acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar ensured that the government continues to monitor the prices of basic commodities.
"Patuloy nating minamatiyagan ang presyo ng pangunahing bilihin, 'yung basic goods. Alam natin na ang pagtaas ng inflation ay dulot ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis (We continue to monitor the prices of basic good. We know that inflation increased due to rise in world oil prices)," Andanar said.
The country's headline inflation quickened to 5.4 percent in May 2022 from 4.9 percent in April, according to the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
May's inflation rate is within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' forecast range of 5.0 to 5.8 percent for the month.
Andanar said the government's fuel subsidy program would help ease the impact of global inflationary pressures.
Over 180,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators have received their PHP6,500 fuel subsidy under the Pantawid Pasada program, as of June 1.
Andanar added that the Service Contracting Program (SCP) will benefit both PUV drivers and commuters.
The SCP forms part of the government's targeted assistance to help cushion the impact of the consecutive oil price hikes to vulnerable sectors.
Under the SCP, PUV operators will be contracted through an agreement based on a plan prepared by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
PUV drivers will then be receiving regular performance-based subsidies based on the number of trips made per week, regardless of the number of passengers.
Andanar noted that the Department of Transportation has extended the free rides on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 until June 30 this year.
He said workers in Metro Manila have been receiving an additional PHP33 to their current daily pay, following the recent decision of the metropolis' Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board to grant the minimum wage hike. (PNA)
