Only 2k takers so far for P5K fuel subsidy

Around 2,000 jeepney operators and drivers out of 179,000 qualified public utility vehicle (PUV) franchise holders have so far availed themselves of a P5,000 fuel subsidy from the government under the “Pantawid Pasada” program.

Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Martin Delgra III said on Wednesday that the distribution of Pantawid Pasada fuel cards to nine regions started on Tuesday.

“We will start distributing [the fuel cards to the remaining five regions] in the next 10 days to two weeks’ time,” Delgra told reporters in Malacañang.

He added that the Department of Transportation had allotted P977 million for the program this year. In 2019, the subsidy will rise to P20,514 per qualified PUV franchise holder.

Under the program, jeepney drivers can use the card to purchase P5,000 worth of fuel from over 1,000 participating gas stations to help them cope with rising prices.

Delgra, however, warned Pantawid Pasada cardholders not to misuse the subsidy, saying they would be blacklisted and required to refund the P5,000. Non-fuel purchases are prohibited under the program.

“If you’re going to use it … [at a nonparticipating] gas station, this will be flagged by Landbank,” he said.