Nearly 50 jeepney drivers and operators in the Ilocos Region have filed complaints before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) after funds allegedly did not get reflected in their fuel subsidy cards.

Four of them are from the Lingayen-Dagupan Transport Cooperative (LDTC) who sought help with LTFRB Region 1.

"Doon sila magrereklamo. Importante kasi ito dahil dagdag tulong ‘yan sa mga tsuper,” Mario Landicho, a jeepney inspector for LDTC, said.

Fuel subsidies are crucial for drivers to offset rising fuel costs.

"Tuwang-tuwa kami kapag mayroon nang fuel subsidy kasi pandagdag din talaga sa puhunan namin," Landicho said.

NO CONTROL

LTFRB Region 1 confirmed receiving complaints from around 50 drivers but clarified that they have no control over the loading of funds.

The regional office has already forwarded the concerns to its central office and is awaiting response, as of this writing.

"Sabi namin, wala kaming way para malaman kung talagang walang laman. Kinukuha namin ang pangalan, that’s the best way we could do for them... talagang ipadala namin sa central office and we follow it up," Atty. Annabel Nullar, LTFRB Region 1 Director, said.

CONSOLIDATION

Meanwhile, LTFRB reminded public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers that the deadline for consolidation under the Public Transport Modernization Program is on Friday, November 29, 2024.

A one-time fuel subsidy awaits those who comply within the 45-day extension period.

As of October 2024, around 10,000 operators and drivers nationwide are expected to consolidate to meet the program's requirements.