LTFRB plans to distribute fuel subsidies by end-August

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday that it plans to distribute fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators before the month ends.

Interviewed at a public briefing, LTRB technical division chief Joel Bolano said that both the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LTFRB are awaiting funds for the fuel subsidy program.

“Ang target ng Department at ng LTFRB ay ma-implement fuel subsidy program para sa mga public utility vehicle operators and drivers hopefully before the end of August or within August ay ma-implement na ito basta ma-download na ang budget coming from the DBM (Department of Budget and Management),” he said.

(The target of the DOTr and the LTFRB is to implement the fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle operators and drivers, hopefully before the end of August or within August after the budget coming from the DBM is downloaded.)

The LTFRB earlier said about P3 billion was earmarked for the fuel subsidy in the form of call cards that could be used by PUV drivers in select gasoline stations. 

About P10,000 will be given to each modern jeepney and UV Express unit, and P6,500 will be given to the drivers of traditional jeepneys.

Motorcycle taxis and delivery service riders will be given P1,200 that will be distributed through an e-wallet, while tricycle drivers will receive P1,000 each that will be distributed by the local government unit where they are registered.

Several transport groups earlier appealed for the immediate release of the fuel subsidy to mitigate the impact of the consecutive oil price hikes. — VBL, GMA Integrated News