DSWD opens special ayuda payout for TNVS drivers in Metro Manila

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) opened Monday a special payout of cash assistance for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers in Metro Manila who were unable to claim the aid during the earlier schedules.

“Well, ngayon nga po meron tayong special payout para sa mga TNVS drivers, yung mga hindi po nakapag-claim nung kanila pong cash relief assistance dito po sa National Capital Region,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

Dumlao said the payout includes drivers in areas such as Quezon City.

Aside from TNVS drivers, the DSWD is also continuing the distribution of cash aid to tricycle drivers in areas outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

Jeepney drivers in provinces are also expected to receive assistance within the week.

Dumlao said the agency aims to complete all scheduled payouts before the end of April.

The DSWD currently requires in-person claims to ensure proper identification of beneficiaries and prevent fraudulent claims, noting the absence of a complete master list of drivers.

She added that the DSWD is working toward adopting digital payment systems like e-wallets to streamline future distributions and reduce long queues. 

Since March 17, the DSWD has been distributing cash assistance for PUV to ease their financial burden amid the high fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict.

Effective April 14, oil companies slashed the per liter prices of gasoline, ranging from P4.00 to P6.50 per liter.

Meanwhile, diesel and kerosene prices were reduced by P20.00 to P23.00 per liter and P8.50 to P11.50 per liter, respectively.

The latest price adjustment was the 15th movement for this year, which resulted in a total net increase of P50.20 per liter for gasoline, P89.85 per liter for diesel, and P78.70 per liter for kerosene. — RSJ, GMA News