LTFRB to start distributing fuel subsidy to PUV drivers, operators on March 15

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will begin distributing the fuel subsidy for 377,000 drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) on Tuesday.

“Starting Tuesday, we’ll start distributing to the beneficiaries,” LTFRB Executive Director Tina Cassion said in a Viber message to reporters.

READ: LTFRB to distribute fuel subsidy next week

She said guidelines for the release of the fuel subsidy will also be released next week.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released on Thursday a total of P3 billion in subsidies and funding to cover discounts for PUV drivers and agricultural producers, respectively.

READ: DBM releases P3 billion fuel subsidies, discounts amid surging oil prices

According to DBM, the P2.5 billion for the Department of Transportation’s fuel subsidy program, and the P500 million for the Department of Agriculture’s fuel discount program would “provide targeted assistance to affected sectors and cushion the impact of the consecutive oil price hikes in the past three months.”

“Under the fuel subsidy program, financial assistance amounting to P6,500 will be directly provided not only to affected jeepney drivers but also to qualified drivers of UV express, mini buses, buses, shuttle services, taxis, tricycles, and other full-time ride-hailing (such as transport network vehicle service or TNVS and motorcycle taxis) and delivery services nationwide.” the DBM said.

The identified 377,443 beneficiaries may claim the subsidy through cash cards from the Land Bank of the Philippines, according to the department.

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