MANILA — A technical glitch encountered by Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) has caused the suspension of the distribution of the Pantawid Pasada fuel cards to jeepney drivers and operators this week.
In a statement Thursday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has apologized for the suspension in the distribution of fuel subsidies, noting that LBP will take all possible steps to resume the distribution of the cards next week.
“We apologize for temporarily suspending the distribution of Pantawid Pasada fuel cards due to a technical issue being encountered by Landbank,” the Board said.
“Landbank, however, gave us an assurance that they will fix the matter the soonest time possible, so that we can resume the distribution of the cards next week,” it added.
The LTFRB has earlier said it will make revisions on the schedule of the distribution of the Pantawid Pasada cards.
The government’s Pantawid Pasada is a fuel subsidy program for jeepney operators and drivers that seek to mitigate the impact of the recent oil price hikes and higher excise taxes due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.
The government targets to distribute around 10,000 cards for the initial implementation of the program which started last July 17.
A lump sum subsidy of PHP5,000 will be provided to 179,852 legitimate PUJ franchise holders.
A PHP977-million budget will be allocated to the fuel subsidy program for the succeeding months of 2018. (Aerol John Pateña/PNA)
