Gov’t eyes pilot run of P10/liter fuel subsidy program on April 14

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

(PNA photo)

MANILA – The initial release of PHP10 per liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUV) will be rolled out in Metro Manila on April 14, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Friday.

In a Palace press briefing, LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the government has allotted an initial budget of PHP1.5 billion for the fuel subsidy, which will cover up to 150 liters per week per vehicle until July 2026.

Mendoza said around 142,698 jeepney and UV express units nationwide will benefit from the program, with the involvement of around 14,000 gas stations.

“Ang pasimula lang po dito sa Metro Manila, but with our coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation, naplano na ho namin iyong paano ito palalawakin sa lalong mabilis na panahon (This is just the beginning here in Metro Manila, but with our coordination with the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, we have already planned how we will expand it as soon as possible),” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that the government will grant a PHP10 per liter fuel subsidy for PUVs for up to three months, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising oil prices.

Marcos said the program will initially be rolled out in Metro Manila, starting along Commonwealth Avenue, before expanding to major corridors, including Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, E. Bonifacio, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway.

The subsidy will be implemented through accredited gasoline stations monitored by the DOE to prevent misuse.

The government will also implement a nationwide service contracting program starting April 15 to mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices on commuters and public transport workers.

Under the program, the government will pay PUV operators and drivers between PHP40 and PHP100 per kilometer, on top of their regular fare income.

Commuters will also benefit from at least a 20-percent fare discount.

Mendoza said a fare matrix would be released to allow commuters to determine how much they should pay based on the 20-percent discount.

He said the discount is on top of the other discounts offered to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“May dagdag na 20 percent po iyan. So, maglalabas ho tayo ng fare matrix para ho diyan na kailangan nakapaskil po sa sasakyan (There will be an additional 20 percent. So, we will release a fare matrix for that which needs to be posted on the vehicle),” Mendoza said.