DBM: P3 billion fuel subsidy up for distribution to drivers, operators

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman during a Malacañang press briefing on August 22, 2023. (File photo by INQUIRER.net / Ryan Leagogo)

MANILA, Philippines — Approximately 1.3 million drivers and operators affected by oil price hikes are expected to receive fuel subsidies, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced on Friday.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the 3-billion budget for implementing the Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP).

According to DBM, the fund will be turned over to the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr-OSEC).

Once done, it will be given to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Body (LTFRB).

LTFRB will, in turn, distribute the subsidy to drivers and operators through the Land Bank of the Philippines.

DBM said members of the transport sector will receive a one-time fuel aid, depending on the type of vehicle they operate.

Drivers and operators of modernized versions of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and public utility vehicle express (UVEs) are set to receive a subsidy of ₱10,000.

Driver and operators of traditional PUJs, UVEs, public utility buses, minibusses, taxis, shuttle service taxis, transport network vehicles, tourist transport vehicles, school transport vehicles, and filcabs will receive ₱6,500.

Tricycle drivers, on the other hand, will receive ₱1,000.

Those in the delivery services will get ₱1,200.

The eligible beneficiaries will be based on the Land Bank’s master list approved by LTFRB, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Last August 22, Senator Grace Poe urged DOTr to release the fuel subsidies due to oil price hikes.

On Tuesday, September 5, prices of petroleum products once again increased for the ninth consecutive week.

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