By Aerol John Pateña/PNA
MANILA — Public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers may claim their Pantawid Pasada fuel subsidy cards until December 15, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Thursday.
“The extension gives ample time for representatives of franchise holders to comply and submit documentary requirements for claiming of the fuel cards,” the LTFRB said in a statement.
The Pantawid Pasada program seeks to mitigate the impact of recent oil price increases and higher excise taxes on petroleum products under the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Law, through providing a lump sum subsidy of PHP5,000 to around 180,000 PUJ operators and drivers this year.
Latest data from the LTFRB show that more than 66,000 fuel subsidy cards were distributed to beneficiaries across the country since the program was launched in July.
For the last two weeks, the Board has accepted special powers of attorney, along with other documents, for beneficiaries who cannot personally claim their cards which resulted in significant increase in the number of claimants.
Qualified PUJ franchise holders in Metro Manila may check the LTFRB’s official Facebook page for the schedule of distribution and other details.
Provincial jeepney operators and drivers may contact the nearest LTFRB regional office in their areas.
The Board expects qualified jeepney franchise holders to claim their fuel cards as soon as possible to avail of the fuel subsidy next year.