By Brian Campued
Reiterating President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive of a whole-of-government approach in addressing the impact of rising fuel prices, Malacañang has ordered transport authorities to work closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the “seamless” implementation of various forms of assistance for the public transport sector as well as commuters.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued the directive following a meeting with key government agencies on Wednesday to sort out the implementation of fuel subsidies for jeepneys and UV Express operators and drivers under the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Subsidy Program, and the Service Contracting Program (SCP).
“It behooves LGUs, along with the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) to team up with agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on ensuring the seamless implementation of the twin directives of the President,” Recto said.
Under the SCP, the government will pay P100 per kilometer for buses plying the EDSA Busway, while modern and traditional jeepneys will get P40 and P30 per kilometer, respectively.
Commuters are also entitled to a 20% fare discount, on top of the 20% discount being imposed for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
The program was launched initially in Metro Manila on April 15 to offset the operating losses of PUVs from surging fuel costs.
Once implemented nationwide, the SCP is expected to benefit 50,000 PUV drivers, 1,000 operators, and a projected 15 million commuters.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader response to the global oil supply disruptions caused by the tensions in the Middle East as the Philippines is a net importer of petroleum products from the region.
On March 24, the President declared a national energy emergency and established the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee tasked to tackle government measures, ranging from immediate aid to long-term solutions, to cushion the impact of the global oil shock on Filipinos.
-jpv
