LTFRB says fuel aid rollout on track; P651M released so far

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

(PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday said the fuel subsidy distribution is “on the right track,” with around PHP651 million already released to beneficiaries nationwide.

The subsidy release is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to immediately release fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUV) amid the ongoing national energy emergency caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said all regional directors of the agency have been ordered to continue the validation of beneficiaries in coordination with other government agencies to ensure “fast, comfortable, and hassle-free” distribution.

“The goal remains, fast distribution of the fuel subsidy, and we assure our friends and partners in the PUV sector that we are on the right track,” Mendoza said.

While there have been challenges, especially in the distribution in Metro Manila, he assured that these are now “learned lessons” to prevent similar incidents in provincial distributions.

Of the total amount, the National Capital Region received the biggest chunk at PHP181.28 million, followed by Calabarzon with PHP98.22 million and Central Luzon with PHP73.42 million.

“Marami pang dapat gawin, but we assure our kababayan (There are a lot more to do, but we assure our fellowmen) that the entire government is working together not only to release the fuel subsidy in the soonest possible time but in finding other ways to assist the PUV sector,” he said.

Earlier, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said around PHP2.4 billion was allocated for the fuel subsidy distribution program.

The program covers drivers and operators of modern and traditional jeepneys, UV Express, passenger and P2P buses, transport network vehicle service partners, Filcabs, taxis, tricycles, and delivery services. Aside from the fuel subsidy, the LTFRB sought a 50 percent reduction in the rent of PUV terminals to ease the effects of high fuel prices on the PUV sector.

To date, PUVs and cargo trucks are receiving discounts on tollways in the form of rebates, while commuters can enjoy 50 percent off their fare at the Light Transit Line 2 and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, among other programs that aim to ease the effects of the conflict in the Middle East.