Solon wants immediate release of fuel subsidy for PUV drivers

A lawmaker wants the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to disburse fuel subsidies for PUV drivers and operators right away. 

Rep. Florida Robes said that help is taking too long to reach affected PUV drivers and operators  

Rep. Florida Robes of San Jose del Monte City filed House Resolution 2515, which calls on both agencies to immediately release the earmarked Php 5 billion in fuel subsidies, to aid public utility drivers against recent surges in oil prices. 

“The DOTr and LTFRB are tasked to issue the fuel subsidies. However, it is taking some time to release the assistance supposedly due to certain requirements needed from drivers,” Robes said in her resolution. 

She notes that the continuous rise in oil prices has created an extraordinary situation for mass transport drivers who need immediate and decisive government action.

“(Both agencies) should be mindful of the exigency of the situation and proceed with dispatch the immediate release of the fuel subsidy in order to give reprieve to our public utility drivers who are still reeling from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added. 

The last time PUV drivers received subsidies was in late 2021

According to the solon, the subsidies for the transport sector are listed as unprogrammed appropriation under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and can be accessed only if the government exceeds its revenue collection target. 

This has been increased from Php 2.5 billion to Php 5 billion, upon the recommendation of the Cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster. 

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that it has released a total of Php 3 billion worth of fuel subsidies to sectors most affected by the oil price hikes. 

Oil prices are expected to go up even further in the coming weeks

Of that amount, Php 2.5 billion of this has been allotted for public transport drivers, while Php 500 million will go to farmers and fisherfolk. Some 377,443 individuals are expected to benefit from the assistance. 

Russia’s ongoing conflict with neighboring Ukraine in Eastern Europe has driven world oil prices upward to more than $120 per barrel. The latest round of local fuel price increases has seen diesel go up by over Php 13 per liter, while gasoline is now Php 7 more expensive per liter. 

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