The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region 1 has withheld up to 100 fuel subsidy cards after several public utility vehicles were found to have expired franchises.

LTFRB-1 said there are several reasons why the franchises expired.

“Nag-expire na ‘yung kanilang mga prangkisa, hindi na sila nag-extend, nag-drop, nawala ‘yung mga main operator, ibinenta… syempre, kailangan nakapangalan sa old operator ‘yan… ‘yung iba naman, namatay na,” said Atty. Annabel Nullar, Director of LTFRB-1.

Because of this, the cards will be returned to the LTFRB central office.

EJ Zarate, a jeepney driver, can only hope the government will give the cards to drivers like him who have yet to receive aid.

“Malaking tulong kasi sana ang fuel subsidy, makakatipid kami sa gasolina,” he said.

LTFRB-1 said their main priority is to distribute the cards to beneficiaries but will channel the request to its central office.

“Ganun nga nag gusto naming i-request, kaya lang inuuna namin ang nakapangalan doon kasi may mga hindi nag appear, ang action naming sa ngayon tinatawagan naming sila isa-isa kasi isasauli naming ‘yan sa Central Office,” Nullar said.

The government’s fuel subsidy program is meant to alleviate the impact of fuel price hikes on drivers and operators. 

LTFRB has distributed at least 1,500 fuel subsidy cards to beneficiaries in Region 1.