Comelec OKs LTFRB request to continue release of fuel subsidy

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved on Thursday the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) request to continue its release of fuel subsidies to drivers and operators.

READ: Comelec ruling on LTFRB appeal for release of fuel subsidy out by Thursday

“We granted the petition of the LTFRB as regards to the fuel subsidy program,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said in a press briefing.

The commissioner, however, said that the grant is subject to some conditions.

“However, the grant of the petition to LTFRB is subject to the strict implementation of the program, resubmission of information on how the project will be implemented, the parameters of implementation, and especially the specific target beneficiaries on how they will apply to avail of the grants of the program, and likewise subject to submission of the different departments that would be implementing the said program of the LTFRB — from the Department of Agriculture to the [Department of Social Welfare and Development] and such other departments,” he said.

Garcia said that LTFRB must wait for the poll body’s resolution for them to comply with the conditions.

“They can immediately implement [the program] but they have to wait for our resolution… because the resolution will contain the conditions, strict conditions, that the commission deemed necessary for LTFRB to comply,” said Garcia.

The LTFRB earlier applied for an exemption from the Comelec ban on cash disbursement.

READ: Comelec exempts DSWD spending during election period despite ban

Pending their decision, the LTFRB temporarily stopped its fuel subsidy disbursement last March 25.

The government has allocated P2.5 billion for fuel subsidies that will benefit 377,000 public utility vehicle drivers and operators amid rising fuel costs.

READ: LTFRB: 115,000 PUV drivers, operators get subsidies so far

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