By Gabriela Baron
The government is ready to release a P2.95-billion fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers to cushion the impact of fuel hike.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said a total of 1.6 million PUV drivers, including tricycle drivers and delivery riders will receive cash subsidies.
“We will make sure that the assistance to our PUV drivers will be distributed immediately so they can use it, pay for their fuel and improve their daily income,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
Data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) showed 280,000 PUV drivers will receive the one-time cash grant from the agency, while 930,000 tricycle drivers and 150,000 delivery service riders will receive the assistance from the Department of Interior and the Local Government and Department of Information and Communications Technology, respectively.
The LTFRB will distribute P10,000 to modern public utility jeepney and modern UV Express drivers, while drivers of other modes of transport will receive P6,500.
Tricycle and delivery riders, on the other hand, are set to receive P1,000 and P1,200 assistance, respectively.
Another oil price hike is set to take effect Tuesday, Aug. 8, with an increase of over P4 for diesel. Gasoline is up by P0.50. – cf
