Comelec logo. Graphic design by INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to announce by Thursday, April 7, its decision on the appeal of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to proceed with its fuel subsidy disbursement.
Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said that the poll body is currently reviewing the LTFRB’s appeal, which is centered on whether the release of the cash assistance for those affected by recent spate of oil price hikes does not constitute a violation of election rules.
“Nung nakaraang linggo po ay amin pong dininig na at pinag-submit namin ng mga ebidensiya ang LTFRB at pinag-submit din namin ng tinatawag na position paper or memorandum at ‘yun po ay na-comply na po nila,” Garcia said in a Laging Handa public briefing.
(Last week, we had a hearing and we asked the LTFRB to submit evidence, position paper or memorandum, and they have already complied.)
“Ito po ay kasalukuyang nag-a-undergo ng study and therefore, Miyerkules po may masa-submit po na recommendation sa en banc at i-expect niyo po hanggang Thursday ay mai-a-announce na po natin ang aksyon ng Comelec patungkol po sa request ng LTFRB,” he added.
(It is currently undergoing study and therefore, by Wednesday, there will be a recommendation to the en banc, and expect by Thursday, we will announce Comelec’s action on LTFRB’s request.)
The LTFRB earlier applied for an exemption from the Comelec ban on cash disbursement.
Pending the resolution, the LTFRB temporarily halted on March 25 its distribution of fuel subsidy to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators.
“Currently, LTFRB is waiting for the Comelec’s decision but card production and other preparations are still being conducted for the remaining payables,” the Department of Transportation-attached agency said in a statement.
The government allotted P2.5 billion for fuel subsidy which will benefit 377,000 PUV drivers and operators amid soaring fuel prices.