Recto tells transport officials to work with LGUs for 'seamless' service contracting program

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has ordered transport authorities to work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as well as local government units (LGUs) to ensure the seamless implementation of the assistance package for their sector. 

On Wednesday, Recto met with officials from key government agencies to ensure a smooth and coordinated rollout of the assistance package.

“It behooves LGUs along with the DILG to team up with agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on ensuring the seamless implementation of the twin directives of the President on fuel subsidies for jeepneys and UV Express operators and drivers through the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Subsidy program and the Service Contracting Program (SCP) for buses and jeepneys on select routes that will provide 20% fare discounts for the riding public," Recto said in a press release.

“In keeping with the whole-of-government approach as set by the President, the DOTr and LTFRB need to work closely with the DILG, LGUs and DOE to make sure that all target beneficiaries, namely bus and jeepney operators and drivers on select routes in NCR, are able to avail of the financial support under the SCP, and that these recipients provide the 20% fare discount to all of their passengers,” he added.

The government launched the nationwide transport aid package under the service contracting program of the DOTr, in which PUV operators and drivers will get a subsidy of P40 to P100 per kilometer to offset the operating losses amid oil price shocks.
 
The program began in Metro Manila, but it will also be implemented in other parts of the country. 
 
The administration's transport aid program is expected to benefit 50,000 drivers of PUVs, operated by about 1,000 operators. —VAL, GMA News