MANILA – An official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday stated that about 115,000 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) have received their one-time PHP6,500 fuel subsidy from the government.
Zona Russet Tamayo, regional director of the LTFRB – National Capital Region (NCR), said the funds were distributed through cash cards provided by the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP).
“Patuloy na ho na nag-i-imprint ang LBP ng mga bagong ‘Pantawid Pasada’ cards para ho maipamahagi na rin natin ang mga ito sa ating additional beneficiaries ngayong taon (LBP continues its printing of cash cards to be distributed later to additional beneficiaries this year),” Tamayo said.
Drivers and operators of a transport network vehicle service (TNVS), UV Express, and tricycles are among the additional beneficiaries.
Tamayo said the LTFRB will start the distribution of cash cards to drivers and operators of TNVS and UV Express units beginning next week.
She stated that the LTFRB would collaborate with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for tricycle drivers and operators because tricycles are under the jurisdiction of local government units (LGU).
“Patuloy ang ating pakikipag-usap sa DILG para ho mahingi na sa kanila iyong listahan po ng mga beneficiaries po nating mga tricycle driver (Our talks with the DILG continues so we can compile a list of beneficiaries among tricycle drivers),” Tamayo said.
The government’s latest fuel subsidy started distribution on March 15 through existing LBP cash cards issued through previous government subsidy programs.
Aside from the fuel subsidy, the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation are planning to relaunch the Service Contracting Program, which would provide cash incentives to PUV drivers and operators as well as free rides to commuters.
