Fuel subsidy distribution: LTFRB orders RDs to help drivers, operators

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has directed all its regional directors (RDs) to facilitate the updating and submission of the data relative to the distribution of the fuel subsidy of drivers and operators in their respective areas.

In a news release, the LTFRB said it is currently undertaking preparatory activities for the implementation of the fuel subsidy program intended to provide financial assistance to qualified public transport operators and drivers nationwide amid the serious effects of the Middle East tensions.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier said the government is eyeing to begin the rollout of fuel subsidies of P5,000 for transport operators and drivers by the fourth week of March. 

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez had urged drivers and operators to have an e-wallet account for fast receipt of the cash assistance.

For his part, LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said that the use of e-wallets is the fastest and most comfortable way of receiving the fuel subsidy since beneficiaries would no longer need to fall into long queues at distribution venues.

The LTFRB said it has already invited all qualified Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) to serve as payment channel providers for “the efficient, secure, and transparent distribution of fuel subsidy assistance to program beneficiaries.”

“We always wanted to provide the best service as instructed by the President and Secretary Banoy and on our part, the distribution through e-wallets is the best way to do it,” said Mendoza.

The LTFRB said that for those who have either no means to have an e-wallet or are not comfortable with such a mode of distribution, “they could go to the scheduled distribution venues that will be determined by the local government units (LGUs).”

The agency said that Mendoza already gave the directive to all RDs to strengthen coordination with LGUs to facilitate the distribution process for those who do not want to avail the subsidy via e-wallet.—AOL, GMA Integrated News