Subsidy Funds Not For Hair Rebond Says Castro Amid Rising Fuel Costs
CASTRO – Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Usec. Claire Castro’s unexpected mention of hair rebond put the spotlight on how subsidy funds should be used.
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Usec. Claire Castro recently issued a reminder to sectors that have received government subsidies, urging them to use the financial assistance wisely amid rising fuel prices.
The statement came after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the distribution of ₱5,000 cash relief assistance to around 139,000 tricycle drivers across 17 cities in Metro Manila on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The initiative is part of the government’s response to help drivers cope with the continued increase in global oil prices, reportedly driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In an interview with DZMM Teleradyo on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, broadcaster Alvin Elchico asked Castro about the possibility of workers calling for wage increases due to the rising cost of fuel and the anticipated surge in prices of basic goods.
Castro clarified that the matter has not yet been discussed by the administration, emphasizing that the government’s immediate priority is to provide timely assistance to affected sectors.
“Hindi pa ‘yan napag-uusapan kaya ngayon, ang pinakamabilis na gawin ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon na ito ay magbigay agad-agad ng ayuda at sinisimulan na ito,” she explained.
She added, “Kasi kahit papaano ay makaagapay doon sa pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina, ng fuel.”
At the same time, Castro stressed the importance of properly utilizing the subsidies. She cautioned beneficiaries against spending the aid on non-essential items and instead encouraged them to prioritize their basic needs.
“Kaya kung may mga fuel subsidy kayong natatanggap, doon n’yo gamitin ha. Kasi baka kapag binigyan kayo ng ayuda, gagamitin ninyo pang-rebond ng buhok n’yo,” she said.
“Huwag n’yong gawin ‘yan.”
Castro further advised recipients to allocate the funds for food or even consider using it as capital for small business ventures to help grow their income.
“Kung bibigyan kayo ng [ayuda] ngayon, itong pera na ito ay gamitin ninyo sa tama. Gamitin ninyo sa pagkain ninyo. Kung kaya n’yo na palaguin pa, kunwari bigla kayong nagnegosyo… para mas umunlad ‘yong perang ibibigay sa inyo, kahit maliit lang,” she said.
“Pagtulung-tulungan nating lahat,” she concluded.