PNoy orders additional P1,200 load for 100k Pantawid Pasada beneficiaries
President Benigno Aquino III has asked the Department of Energy to provide additional P1,200 load to 100,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pasada Program to cushion the effects of an anticipated oil price hike Monday night.
At a press briefing on Monday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the government has P200 million to be used for the program.
Lacierda said transport cooperatives will also be given tax exemptions on the tires, batteries, and other spare parts they will buy aside from regular dealers’ discount being provided to them.
“Direkta nitong mapapamura ang gastusin para sa maintenance ng mga sasakyan ng ating mga operator at tsuper ng jeep, bus, AUV (Asian utility vehicle), at taxi,” he said.
He said this was made possible through the help of the Office of Transport Cooperatives under the Department of Transportation and Communications and Philippine International Trading Corp. under the Department of Trade and Industry which strengthened the coordination between the cooperatives and manufacturers of tires, batteries and spare parts.
“Bukas po mismo ay maghaharap na ang mga kooperatiba at manufacturer upang magsimula ng pag-order ng mga kagamitan,” he said.
Lacierda said at least 28 transport cooperatives will be attending the meeting to elect who among them, depending on their location, will be tasked to deal with the manufacturers.
“Once that happens they will be able to secure purchases at a discount,” he said.
Lacierda said the price of petroleum products increase due to the increased importation of countries in Europe due to unexpected cold weather.
He said the tension between Iran and western countries is also worsening the situation.
Amid this, he said the government would continue focusing its programs on the most affected sectors of the society particularly the drivers and other members of the transport sector.
Asked if there is still a chance for the President to meet with the transport sector, Lacierda said they will have to see if there is a need for one since the benefits have been laid out.
“But again the President is open to meeting with them. Let’s see how this package will be, will assist the transport sector,” he said.
In May last year, jeepney drivers received Pantawid Pasada cards loaded with P1,050 each in a nationwide targeted assistance program to give them financial support amid rising oil prices.
Drivers need to present the cards to gasoline stations, which will then discount their fuel purchases based on their remaining credits. — RSJ, GMA News
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