LTFRB suspends fuel subsidy payouts

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has suspended the fuel subsidy payout for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators due to the election ban on public spending, an official of the LTFRB announced yesterday.

LTFRB executive director Kristina Cassion said the transport agency suspended the distribution of the cash assistance on March 25 pending resolution by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) of its request for exemption from the spending ban.

Under Comelec Resolution 10747, government agencies are prohibited from implementing social welfare projects and services from March 25 to May 8.

Government agencies, however, may apply for an exemption.

Cassion said the LTFRB asked the Comelec to exempt the agency from the election spending ban to complete the distribution of cash payouts to PUV drivers and operators amid the rising fuel prices.

“Before the ban, we applied for exemption from the Comelec and we had a hearing. We assured the poll body that the cash distribution will not be used for political gains,” Cassion said. “We are waiting for the Comelec’s decision so we can continue the cash aid distribution.”

The production of Pantawid Pasada cards for other beneficiaries is ongoing for the remaining payables, she added.

Prior to the suspension, the LTFRB had distributed P6,500 worth of fuel subsidy to over 109,000 jeepney drivers and operators and 1,207 bus drivers.

Cassion said the LTFRB was still processing the payout for 67,447 qualified beneficiaries, including motorcycle taxi operators.

The Department of Trade and Industry has submitted to the LTFRB the names of 27,777 delivery service drivers and operators whose fuel subsidies would be transferred through e-wallets.

For tricycle drivers, the LTFRB said it is still waiting for the list of beneficiaries from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The subsidy can be claimed through cash cards issued by the Land Bank of the Philippines, which can be used in accredited gas stations.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the poll body may act on the LTFRB petition on Thursday.

Garcia assured PUV drivers who are depending on the fuel subsidy that the Comelec would prioritize the LTFRB’s request for exemption from the spending ban.

“We would immediately take action on this,” he said at a press briefing.

Poe slams suspension

Sen. Grace Poe hit the suspension of the distribution of fuel subsidy to PUV drivers and operators.

Poe, who chairs the Senate panel on public services, lamented the suspension of cash aid distribution as she stressed that jeepney drivers continue to “wade through soaring prices of fuel and basic commodities.”

She pointed out that the LTFRB released the P3-billion funding for 377,000 beneficiaries only 10 days before the election ban took effect on March 25.

Poe urged the Comelec to expedite its decision on the request of the LTFRB for exemption to allow the agency to continue the cash payout. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Paolo Romero, Evelyn Macairan