Solon to Noy: Include fishers, farmers in P500-M fuel subsidy By Charlie V. Manalo and Gerry Baldo 04/02/2011

Solon to Noy: Include fishers, farmers in P500-M fuel subsidy

By Charlie V. Manalo and Gerry Baldo 04/02/2011

A lawmaker from the one of the most impoverished provinces in the country yesterday called on President Aquino to include farmers and fisherfolk in the P500 million he allotted for fuel subsidy to the transport sectors, saying they are also gravely affected by the unabated increase in oil prices.

In a text message, Samar Rep. Ben Evardone justified the inclusion of the farmers and fisherfolk in the fuel subsidy, saying not only they are vulnerable to oil price hikes but that prices of petroleum products in the rural areas are much higher than in Metro Manila.

“We welcome the fuel subsidy program of the government but it should include the other vulnerable sectors like fishermen and farmers in the countryside. They are also hit hard by the unabated spiraling increase of fuel prices,” Evardone said. “While the subsidy to Metro Manila drivers are laudable, it should be pointed out that Metro Manila is not the Philippines.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110402met1.html