Cash aid payout for TNVS drivers starts in Metro Manila

The distribution of cash assistance to transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers affected by the rising fuel prices began in Metro Manila on Tuesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, around 27,000 TNVS drivers across the National Capital Region are expected to claim the P5,000 cash assistance.

“Twenty-seven thousand [drivers] 'yan. Pero dito [sa Parañaque City], 1,000 plus [drivers],” he told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview.

The payout for TNVS drivers kicked off at the San Dionisio Sports Complex in Parañaque City, where around 1,293 beneficiaries were expected to receive aid under DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

In Quezon City, thousands of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers lined up early Tuesday at payout centers in Quezon City, according to a report of GMA Integrated News’ James Agustin.

More than 8,200 TNVS drivers are targeted to receive the aid in the city and some drivers said they arrived before dawn and skipped trips just to secure their payout.

Long lines of vehicles were observed near a payout site outside the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

In Caloocan, TNVS drivers began lining up early in the morning ahead of the distribution of government cash assistance.

They were seen waiting on the sidewalk as the Caloocan Sports Complex was still closed prior to the start of the payout.

Some drivers not on the list

Gatchalian said the list of beneficiaries was prepared by transport network companies (TNCs) and validated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The DSWD is only in charge of distributing the funds.

Gatchalian urged drivers who were not included in the list to coordinate directly with their companies instead of going to payout centers.

“Kung wala kayo doon sa listahan, siguro kesa na magpunta kayo sa payout center, puntahan n’yo ‘yung TNC niyo, 'yung mga kumpanya na may hawak sa inyo. Tanungin niyo kung bakit wala kayo doon sa listahan,” he said.

(If you are not on the list, maybe, instead of going to the payout center, go instead to your TNC, the company you work with. Ask them why you are not on the list.)

He addressed concerns from so-called “temporary drivers” who were reportedly excluded from the list of beneficiaries despite working for ride-hailing firms for years.

Companies hire temporary drivers to meet the demand. As they exceed their allocated quota with the additional drivers, they seek provisional authority from the LTFRB.

The DSWD chief dismissed claims that funding limitations led to their exclusions.

The AICS program for affected transport workers will expand nationwide after Holy Week, according to Gatchalian.

Drivers are advised to check the LTFRB website or their companies to confirm inclusion and schedules.

Around 100,000 tricycle drivers were already assisted earlier, with follow-ups for those who missed out.

Meanwhile, assistance distribution for jeepney drivers is set to start in Metro Manila on Wednesday, delivery riders on Thursday and Friday, and motorcycle taxi drivers on Saturday.

On March 17, the cash assistance payout for tricycle drivers started in Metro Manila.

Around 100,000 tricycle drivers already received assistance, but follow-ups are being conducted for those who missed out their claims. —KG, GMA Integrated News