Fuel subsidy, other aid packages sought for PUV drivers, operators affected by COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking aid  packages for public utility vehicle drivers and operators affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the Laging Handa briefing, DOTr Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon, Jr. said they have written a proposal to the House of Representatives seeking the inclusion of drivers and operators affected by public transport protocols in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) in the economic stimulus package being prepared in the lower chamber.

“Ang DOTr ay nag submit ng proposal sa House of Representatives na isama sa stimulus package  ng gobyerno yung pag aayuda sa ating mga operator at driver na maapektuhan nitong limited capacity,” Tuazon said.

“Kasama na po dun yung fuel subsidy, yung loans para sa kanila at deferment ng interest sa nag-avail ng loans,” he added.

Among the public transport protocols imposed in GCQ areas include the lesser number of passengers that drivers can accommodate.

Tuazon earlier said that the guidelines for the road and aviation sector during GCQ will be as follows:

• Drivers, conductors, and commuters of PUVs are required to wear face masks
• PUVs are encouraged to use automatic fare collection systems to limit contact between driver and commuter
• If automatic fare collection cannot be followed, passengers are required to pay their fare to the driver immediately upon boarding the vehicle.
• PUVs will be equipped with thermal scanners to check the body temperature of passengers and drivers
• PUV drivers who have COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to work and must be brought to the nearest medical facility for a checkup
• Drivers must disinfect their vehicles before and after trips
• A non-permeable material or acetate must be installed inside the PUV to separate the driver from passengers
• PUVs, including buses, modern jeepneys, and shuttle services must only board around 50 percent of its capacity to ensure physical distancing in the vehicle
• UV Express can only accommodate two passengers per row
• For Taxis and Transportation Network Vehicle Service, a maximum of two passengers will be allowed
• Use of bicycles will be encouraged to prevent the rise of coronavirus transmission
• Back-riding for motorcycles will remain prohibited

Currently, a P1.3 trillion post pandemic economic stimulus program under the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act of 2020 (Pesa) is being proposed in the House of Representatives.

It seeks seeks to protect Filipino workers from impending job losses and help businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises, affected by the pandemic.

GSG