By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As part of a multi-pronged approach in addressing rising fuel prices that continue to affect the transport sector, the DOTr announced the nationwide rollout of various relief measures geared towards easing the burden of public utility drivers, operators, and commuters.
In a media forum on Saturday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that his agency’s interventions complement the cash relief assistance program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Lopez said in a statement, “Simultaneously with the ayuda na ginawa na ang ating DSWD, nailabas na rin natin yung fuel subsidy program ng DOTr. Kung saan naman ang tutugunan natin is yung mga qualified operator and driver.”
As of press time, the DOTr has already disbursed P1.5 billion of the P2.5 billion in funds that were part of its fuel subsidy program through digital modes of payment, which he touted as key in expediting the distribution of financial aid to PUV drivers and operators.
After kickstarting the initial phase of the Net Service Contracting Program on April 15, the Transportation chief announced the nationwide rollout of this initiative that would benefit both transport workers and commuters.
Lopez acknowledged some challenges in the onboarding process, directing LTFRB to promptly resolve this issue, “Nagbigay na rin tayo ng instructions sa LTFRB na lapitan na kami na yung pumunta sa ating mga terminal para naman kahit paano mas mapapabilis natin ang pag-onboarding ng ating mga operators at sa mga driver natin.”
He outlined his expectations for the program’s participation figures, “We’re expecting by Monday, makaasa po tayo na may 19,000, over 19,000 na jeepney, modern, traditional, and UV express, kasama na rin yung EDSA busway natin, na nakapasok na yung sa programa at mararamdaman na rin po ng ating mga commuters.”
This, on top of other initiatives launched to alleviate the financial strain of the current situation on PUV drivers and operators, which also include:
- P10/L fuel discount program
- 1-month toll relief for trucks transporting produce
- P1 port fee for agricultural shipments
- TUPAD Tuloy Pasada Program
- Reduced terminal and navigation fees for airline companies
- 50% discount for MRT-3 and LRT-2 passengers
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