PRESIDENT Aquino said on Tuesday that the government would not pursue the planned fuel subsidy for fisherfolk and farmers because of logistical problems that would likely benefit even those who do not need assistance.

Mr. Aquino said in a chance interview in Jala-Jala, Rizal, where he led a lake-seeding activity, that the Department of Agriculture had difficulty identifying the proper beneficiaries, leading to the government’s decision not to pursue the plan.

“What is important is that the assistance is directed. Who are the ones in need, how will you provide [that need]? We don’t want leakages [wherein] those who are not covered are suddenly in the queue and end up getting the benefits meant for the intended sector,” he said.

The President said the government “only wants to make sure” that as in the case of the fuel subsidy for tricycles and jeepney franchise holders, the subsidy goes to the intended recipients, and it in turn benefits the whole country.

He said unlike jeepney and tricycle franchise holders, farmers and fisherfolk have no franchise so they are not easily identifiable.

Mr. Aquino also said  he had earlier ordered a P2-billion input subsidy for fisherfolk and farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said on Monday that the fuel subsidy for farmers and fisherfolk was likely to be abandoned, after it became clear that his department would have difficulty monitoring the transmission of the subsidy to the recipients.

“If it would not be as effective, perhaps we shouldn’t force it because it might just waste government money,” Alcala said.