1.6-M PUV, tricycle drivers to receive fuel subsidy from PH gov’t

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that a total of 1.64 million public utility vehicle (PUV) and tricycle drivers will receive their respective fuel subsidies from the government.

The allocated budget for them — amounting to P2.95 billion — is intended to help cushion the impact of the increase in fuel prices.

In a statement, DOTr said that the transport regulator will distribute P10,000 to Modern Public Utility Jeepney and Modern UV Express drivers, while drivers of other modes of transport will receive P6,500.

Tricycle and delivery riders, on the other hand, are set to receive P1,000 and P1,200 assistance, respectively.

“We will make sure that the assistance to our PUV drivers will be distributed immediately so they can use it, pay for their fuel and improve their daily income,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said while pointing out that his agency will coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to hasten the distribution of cash assistance.

Meanwhile, the DOTr noted that the fuel subsidy is targeted to be implemented by end of the month as soon as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) releases the funding. 

Further, the LTFRB and DOTr are close coordinating with the DBM for the submission of budgetary documents to ensure the speedy release of funds. 

For the delivery riders, the Department of Information and Communications Technology — in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry — is completing and finalizing the master list of beneficiaries which shall be the basis of the LTFRB in distributing the fuel subsidy. 

Around 120,000-150,000 delivery service riders are eligible to receive subsidies based on the guidelines and criteria set by the DICT.

The transportation department added that the beneficiaries shall receive the subsidy through their provided bank accounts, mobile wallets, or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program cards.

In case, the methods of distribution are not applicable, delivery service beneficiaries may claim their subsidies over-the-counter withdrawal at specific Land Bank of the Philippines branches.

With reports from Ruben Manahan IV

Photos from Department of Transportation and Ruben Manahan IV

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