Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated that its cash relief assistance (CRA) is intended only for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers as part of the government's approach to help cushion the effects of soaring petroleum prices on the transport sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, the department made the clarification following a report associating the DSWD CRA with the aid provided by other entities to 'habal habal' (improvised motorcycle taxi) riders. This report suggested that certification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Cebu City was required.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated in a news release that the cash relief assistance is exclusively for qualified PUV drivers. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to aid vulnerable sectors, particularly drivers affected by fuel price surges. The DSWD is committed to distributing CRA to all eligible drivers.

Dumlao emphasized that the cash aid provided is part of the department's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, aimed at mitigating the impact of rising petroleum prices on the transport sector. The department has not imposed any requirements such as Comelec certification for distributing the CRA.

The CRA beneficiaries consist of PUV drivers identified through lists submitted by local government units (LGUs) for tricycle and jeepney drivers, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers, and the Department of Information and Technology (DICT) for motorcycle taxi drivers and delivery riders. Transport Network Companies (TNCs) endorsed the list of TNVS beneficiaries to the LTFRB, while the Private Express and/or Messengerial Delivery Service (PEMEDES) provided the list for motorcycle driver and delivery rider beneficiaries to the DICT.

Dumlao also mentioned that other sectors affected by rising fuel costs could seek assistance through the AICS program available at the DSWD's field offices. She urged the public to verify information and obtain updates about the program via the department's official website at www.dswd.gov.ph or its verified Facebook account @dswdserves.