Tulfo seeks timely fuel subsidies for PUV drivers

MANILA, Philippines — With the expected oil price hike amid rising tensions in the Middle East, state agencies should ensure proper and timely distribution of fuel subsidies, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

Meeting with officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Tulfo expressed support for President Marcos’ plan to expand fuel subsidies.

Aid will be extended to riders of modern public utility vehicles, traditional jeepneys, buses and tricycles, as well as delivery and Grab drivers.

Subsidies will be provided next week when fuel prices increase, DOTr Assistant Secretary Michelle de Vera told Tulfo.

As for the P2.5 billion allotted for the fuel subsidy program, De Vera said the Department of Energy has issued a certification allowing the LTFRB to disburse funding to beneficiaries.

Distribution of aid will be done through fuel cards or Pantawid Pasada Cards and cash transfers to banks or e-wallet accounts, LTFRB executive director Loumer Bernabe said.

Subsidies can also be claimed at LandBank branches.

Processing of qualified beneficiaries will begin today, Bernabe said.

Tulfo reminded the DOTr and LTFRB to issue guidelines for the distribution of fuel subsidies.

“This is to ensure that beneficiaries are real PUV drivers and operators or delivery riders and there wouldn’t be a palakasan (patronage) system,” he said.

Tulfo said he would monitor the subsidy program’s implementation.