Any other government assistance to help the public cope with higher prices of goods and services as a result of rising oil prices will not last for more than two months, Malacanang said.

Communications Secretary Ramon Carandang said “no one knows for sure” how long the oil crisis will last but the government can only provide assistance for two months.

“We have resources for less than two months. Beyond that it’s difficult to say,” he said.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier ordered his economic managers “to study all and every means  of how to mitigate the spiraling oil prices.” He said wage increase, price control or even a reduced value added tax should be considered.

These mitigating measures will complement the fuel assistance Aquino earlier ordered for the public transport sector.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda meanwhile shrugged off reports that the transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) rejected the fuel subsidy, saying they are certain that many Piston members will avail of it.               Tess Bedico