LTFRB: Almost P1B in fuel subsidies given to PUV drivers across PH

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has distributed almost P1 billion in fuel subsidies to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) as part of the government’s measures amid rising pump prices due to the Middle East conflict.

In a statement on Tuesday, LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said they are constantly improving the distribution process to make it faster and more efficient.

“Our goal is to complete the entire distribution process in the soonest possible time. Hindi pwedeng patagalin pa dahil patuloy na sumisipa pataas ang presyo ng gasolina at diesel (We can’t take too long because the prices of gasoline and diesel continue to spike),” Mendoza said.

Drivers and operators in the Metro Manila received P200 million in fuel subsidies, followed by those in Calabarzon who received P99 million.

Those in the Central Visayas received P86 million in fuel subsidies, while beneficiaries in Central Luzon got P82 million, and Northern Mindanao, P69 million.

Mendoza said the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez is “to make sure that no driver and operator is left behind.”

On March 30, the LTFRB said over P651 million in cash assistance has been distributed so far to PUV drivers and operators.

Beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy program are drivers and operators of modern and traditional jeepneys, Utility Vehicle (UV) Express, regular and point-to-point buses, transport network vehicle service, taxis, and tricycles.

Delivery service riders and motorcycle taxi drivers have yet to receive their fuel subsidies from the government.

Mendoza assured that all qualified beneficiaries will receive their cash aid.

The LTFRB is working with other relevant government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to verify the list of beneficiaries.

“We assure our kababayan that the entire government is working together not only to release the fuel subsidy in the soonest possible time but in finding other ways to assist the PUV sector,” Mendoza added. — JMA, GMA News