From 435,000 beneficiaries, only 209,000 drivers get cash aid for COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — From the list of 435,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by the coronavirus pandemic, only 209,000 were able to get aid from the government’s social amelioration program, a transport official revealed Tuesday.

During the House deliberations on the Department of Transportation’s 2021 budget, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Martin Delgra said the agency submitted to the government 435,000 names of drivers who were affected by COVID-19.

However, only 209,000 were found eligible for the cash aid after being cross-checked by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“The initial list that we submitted way back in May was actually something like 435,000 beneficiaries. The DSWD is supposed to cross-match it, and which they did,” Delgra said.

“The latest count as of two weeks ago was that 209,000 na lang yung nasa listahan that was cross-checked,” he added.

Delgra explained that the list could have been reduced because of the removal of possible duplication of beneficiaries under the DSWD list.

The DOTR and LTFRB are coordinating with DSWD for the distribution of the cash assistance as there were reports of delays, Delgra said.

“We understand that there was a delay in the distribution insofar as the ayuda for PUV drivers under the SAP kaya minabuti ng DOTr and LTFRB to work in close coordination with DSWD lalong-lalo na on the regional level,” he said.

Asked whether the DOTr has its own program in providing assistance to PUV drivers and operators, Transport chief Arthur Tugade said there was none as the agency’s responsibility is to give a list of beneficiaries to DSWD.

“’Yung ayuda na napapaloob sa Bayanihan 2, ang responsibilidad namin diyan ay magbigay ng listahan,” he said.

JE