Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has so far distributed nearly PHP1 billion in fuel subsidy to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) as part of government aid to the transport sector following the declaration of a national energy emergency.
According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II stated in a news release that the distribution process is being continually adjusted to enhance speed and efficiency, even down to the municipal level. Mendoza emphasized the urgency of the distribution process due to rising prices of gasoline and diesel, stating, "Our goal is to complete the entire distribution process in the soonest possible time. Hindi pwedeng patagalin pa dahil patuloy na sumisipa pataas ang presyo ng gasolina at diesel."
The distribution has predominantly benefited drivers and operators in the National Capital Region (NCR), who received around PHP200 million, followed by those in Calabarzon with approximately PHP99 million, and Central Visayas with about PHP86 million. Mendoza highlighted the directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez to ensure that no driver or operator is left behind.
Beneficiaries of this subsidy include drivers and operators of modern and traditional jeepneys, Utility Vehicle Express, regular and point-to-point buses, transport network vehicle services, taxis, and tricycles. Additional beneficiaries such as delivery service riders and motorcycle taxi drivers are still pending receipt of their subsidy.
Mendoza assured that all qualified beneficiaries would receive their subsidy and emphasized the importance of a scam-free distribution process to ensure rightful beneficiaries are served. The LTFRB is collaborating with other government agencies and local government units to verify the list of beneficiaries within the program.
Mendoza reiterated the government's dedication to not only releasing the fuel subsidy promptly but also exploring additional measures to support the PUV sector.
