DOTr to give P6,500 fuel subsidy to PUV drivers, operators

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that it has commenced distribution of fuel subsidies worth Php 6,500 each to public transport drivers and operators, to help them mitigate the effects of successive fuel price hikes. 

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said that distribution of the subsidies is already underway 

During a televised briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte last Wednesday, March 15, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade reported that a total of Php 2.5 billion for this purpose has been earmarked under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), with funding for the first tranche already secured. 

According to Tugade, the money has been turned over to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for disbursement. Of this amount, the LTFRB will receive Php 1.75 billion or 70 percent for the public transport sector, including tourist, shuttle, and ride-hailing services. 

This is how the LTFRB's Php 1.75 billion allocation will be divided 

Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will get Php 625 million or 25 percent for tricycle drivers, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be allocated P125 million or 5 percent for delivery services.

More than 377,000 qualified drivers and operators are expected to benefit from the assistance.  

The distribution of Php 6,500 in fuel subsidies for public utility drivers and operators has reportedly commenced through the current Pantawid Pasada Program’s Landbank cards. According to LTFRB Executive Director Maria Kristina Cassion, 78,103 beneficiaries have already received their subsidies so far.   

More than 377,000 qualified drivers and operators are expected to benefit from the subsidies

Drivers and operators of UV Express, taxi, shuttle service, tourist service, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units will receive their subsidies by March 25, once their Landbank cards have been distributed.   

In a statement, ride-hailing service Grab Philippines said that it has also created an assistance fund worth Php 25 million for its partner drivers. The money will be used in the form of performance-based incentives and other support programs. 

The company adds that it is extending zero-interest loan support on fuels purchased through Grab Finance Shell Fuel Card for selected drivers and delivery partners.   

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