LTFRB: P98M in fuel subsidies given to taxi operators, drivers so far

More than P98 million in fuel subsidies were extended to taxi operators and drivers across the country so far as part of the government’s efforts to assist the transport sector amid the high prices of fuel products, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said bulk of the cash assistance was distributed at the LTFRB Central Office in Quezon City, followed by Davao Region, Central Visayas, and Western Visayas.  

He added that the distribution of the rest of cash aid for other public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers is being expedited as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  

“Our coordination with the transport service entities (TSEs) involving taxis and the operators is continuous. Regular monitoring is done for real-time intervention in cases of glitches and other concerns,” Mendoza said. 

The LTFRB chief said he ordered the agency’s regional directors, especially in areas with large cities, to initiate the coordination with TSEs for the distribution of the fuel subsidy. 

“The funds are available and our goal is to download them in the soonest possible time and have all the recipients receive them as soon as possible,” he added. 

The LTFRB will conduct another distribution of fuel subsidies for taxi operators and drivers on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25. 

The payouts will be conducted at the LTO Central Office and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Central Office, both in Quezon City. 

“We are aware of the challenges and that is why we are exerting all the efforts that include initiating contact and coordination with TSEs and other stakeholders just to fast-track the distribution process,” the LTFRB chairperson said. 

Mendoza said the LTFRB’s hotlines and social media accounts are always open for any concerns related to the fuel subsidy distribution, as he urged beneficiaries not to hesitate in asking the LTFRB for assistance.  

“Para po sa inyo ang ayudang ito kaya magtulungan tayo upang mapabilis na makuha ang tulong na galing sa pamahalaan,” he added. 

(This aid is for you so let us help one another so that you can get the aid from the government faster.) — JMA, GMA News