LTFRB: PUV drivers, operators to receive P6,500 fuel subsidy starting March 15

Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators will receive their fuel subsidies beginning March 15, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced Friday.

“Starting Tuesday, we’ll start distributing to the beneficiaries,” LTFRB executive director Tina Cassion told reporters in a Viber group message.

The announcement came after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday released P2.5 billion and P500 million for fuel subsidies for the public transport utility and the agriculture sectors, respectively.

The LTFRB will provide guidelines for the distribution of P6,500 fuel vouchers to over 377,000 eligible PUV drivers who operate jeepneys, UV express, taxis, tricycles, and other full-time ride-hailing and delivery services around the country next week, according to Cassion.

The identified 377,443 beneficiaries could claim their subsidies through cash cards to be issued by the Landbank of the Philippines. The cards could then be used by the beneficiaries to pay at fuel stations.

The LTFRB has coordinated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Communication and Technology (DICT) for the identification of beneficiaries, particularly on the list of qualified tricycle drivers, ride-hailing services and delivery services, respectively.

The P2.5 billion for the fuel subsidy program was charged against the regular budget of the Department of Transportation under the 2022 General Appropriations Act.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has a budget of P500 million to provide assistance through fuel discounts to farmers and fisherfolk who either individually own and operate agricultural and fishery machinery or operate through a farmer's organization or cooperative. 

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the department is working with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for the distribution of the cards that will be used by the beneficiaries in the next few days.

About 160,000 farmers and fishermen will each receive a P3,000 fuel subsidy from the government to ease the impact of fuel price hikes on their livelihoods.

The released funds form part of the first tranche of fuel subsidies to be released by the DBM after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) proposed to hike the funds for the fuel voucher program amid the continued spike in petroleum prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war. — VBL, GMA News