LTFRB Delays Issuance of Fuel Vouchers to July 17

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has deferred its distribution of fuel voucher cards to operators and drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJ) to July 17. The voucher cards were originally set to be given out last Thursday, July 12.

The delay was caused by a system modification within the Landbank of the Philippines, which is the designated outlet for the distribution of the fuel vouchers.

The franchising agency also cited the need to orient jeepney operators on the proper use of the voucher as another reason for the deferral.

The need to modify Landbank's system was prompted by a decision from the stakeholders to give away the PHP5,000 fuel subsidy in one go instead of spreading the amount equally on a six-month basis.

Each voucher card will have PHP5,000 deposited to it.

The Landbank management said they were caught by surprise by the sudden decision, but they promised to update the bank's system nonetheless to make sure the voucher card distribution goes smoothly come July 17.

"Binago iyong amount, (The amount was changed)" revealed Alexander Buenaventura, president of the Landbank of the Philippines. "Ginawang one-time P5,000. Ngayon ko lang nalaman. Hindi na namin itutuloy ang distribution ng P833 (per month), plus hihingi kami ng pondo para lang sa one month sa funding at correcting the amount. (It was changed to PHP5,000 one-time. I only found out now. We won't continue with the distribution of PHP833 (per month) plus we'll ask for one month's worth of funds and correcting the amount)"

"Tapos iyan sa Monday kaya ang (That'll be finished by Monday so) distribution will be on Tuesday," Buenaventura assured.