The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Thursday (March 10) that it has released the P2.5 billion fuel subsidy fund for public utility vehicle drivers amid non-stop oil price hikes.
The DBM said each beneficiary will receive P6,500. Among the beneficiaries include drivers of bus, jeepney, tricycle, taxi, UV Express, motorcycle taxi, and transport network vehicle service and ride hailing services.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Executive Director Kristina Cassion confirmed Thursday afternoon that they have already received the budget, which will be distributed next week.
“Ang distribution po natin, una sa lahat, gagamitin natin ‘yung existing program ng kagawaran – ‘ yung pantawid pasada program para sa mga jeepneys,” Transportation USec. Steven Pastor said.
“Gagamitin din po natin ‘yung database natin sa service contracting dahil nandoon na rin ‘yung detalye ng mga bus, mga jeep na sumali sa programa upang ma-credit din po sa kanila kaagad-agad,” he added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said jeepney drivers within their scope will first receive their subsidy. The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Trade and Industry have yet to provide the database for tricycle and delivery riders.
The DOTr reminded beneficiaries to use the subsidy through “Pasada” cards for fuel refilling only. The card will also be used for the second tranche of the subsidy after its funding was doubled to P5 billion.
Meanwhile, several transport groups have retracted their P1 to P5 fare hike petition.
The DOTr, however, assured preparedness for additional transport services to assist stranded and affected commuters. – Report from Karen Villanda/AG-rir
