IF Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar is to be asked, he already wants to give the fuel subsidy to farmers and fisherfolk.
However, Dar said there is a trigger mechanism in the guidelines before the fuel subsidy is given.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, Dar emphasized that it is stated in the guidelines for the awarding of fuel subsidy or fuel discount that prices of petroleum products should first reach US$80 per barrel.
At present, the prices of petroleum products is still far from the required price range so his hands are tied to award the subsidy to the farmers and fisherfolk.
The fuel subsidy is one way for the government to help farmers and fisherfolk alleviate the impact on their livelihood brought about by the series of price increases of petroleum products.