6,000 fuel subsidy cards for Cebu

The Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board started distributing at least 6,000 Pantawid Pasada cards last Monday to start the government’s fuel subsidy program in Cebu.

“We urge all transport operators to distribute the cards to their drivers so they could avail of these,” said LTFRB-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon.

The cards that the energy department turned over last May 26 are being handed out in batches in SM City Cebu to transport groups and franchise operators including Cebu Integrated Transport Service Cooperative and the Visayas United Drivers and Transport Cooperative.

Drivers can purchase fuel worth up to P 1,050 using the cards, Cuizon said. It would take at least a week before the cards are activated simultaneously.
The cards can only be used in gas stations with point of sale swiping machines.

Gas station attendants should double check if a vehicle plate number matches the number shown in a card, which is handed out for free.

Norman Libuyo, 37, who drives a route 21-B jeepney, said he was not satisfied because the cards are only temporary aid from the government.
He said a card is helpful for only a few rounds in his route.

He said the real problem is unstoppable oil price increases, which make drivers and operators demand fare hikes.

“Not all drivers will have a card,” said Libuyo, who has been driving his jeep for five years and owns a taxi being driven by his brother-in-law.
He, however, said drivers should not refuse the aid.