LTFRB distributes fuel subsidy to around 115K PUV drivers

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTRFB) reports that it has distributed fuel subsidies worth Php 6,500 to some 115,000 public utility drivers so far.

Some 115,000 public utility drivers and operators have received their subsidies, according to the LTFRB

Speaking at a press briefing, LTFRB-NCR Regional Director Atty. Zona Russet Tamayo reports that the one-time subsidy is being distributed through cash cards issued by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) under the Pantawid Pasada program. “Patuloy ho na nagi-imprint ang LBP ng mga bagong Pantawid Pasada cards para ho maipamahagi na rin natin ang mga ito sa ating additional beneficiaries ngayong taon,” she said.

(The LBP is continuously printing out new Pantawid Pasada cards, so that these can be distributed among our additional beneficiaries this year)

Additional beneficiaries under the program are drivers and operators of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) and UV Express units. According to the LTFRB, their cash cards will be distributed starting March 28, 2022.

Trycicle drivers, along with those for TNVS and UV Express units, are now eligible for financial assistance

Tricycle drivers and operators are also included, under the mandate of local government units (LGUs). Tamayo said that the LTRFB will coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding the disbursement of their subsidies. “Patuloy ang ating pakikipag-usap sa DILG para ho mahingi na sa kanila yung listahan po ng mga beneficiaries po nating mga tricycle driver,” Tamayo added.

(We are continuing talks with the DILG to ask for the list of beneficiaries among tricycle drivers)

The LTFRB and DOTr are studying the return of free rides for commuters

The most recent round of fuel subsidies was prompted by 11 successive weeks of fuel price hikes, aggravated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February which caused world oil prices to spike upward. Distribution of the financial assistance to affected sectors commenced on March 15, 2022.

Both the LTRFB and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are also considering bringing back the Service Contracting Program, which provides free rides to commuters while giving cash incentives to participating PUV drivers and operators. The program was temporarily stopped in July 2021, coinciding with the end of the Bayanihan 2 Act.

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