Gov’t to release additional cash aid for PUV drivers –Palace
MANILA, Philippines — There will be another tranche of cash assistance for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to further help them cope with the impact of rising fuel costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday.
The announcement came after some PUV drivers raised concerns that the initial P5,000 cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, distributed under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, is not enough to meet their needs.
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“According to DSWD Secretary Gatchalian, under the directive of President Marcos Jr., there will be additional assistance; it just needs to be prioritized and properly timed” Castro said during the Palace briefing.She added that the DSWD will continue releasing aid to affected PUV drivers in tranches in the coming days, and it will be done in tranches.
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The government began distributing the P5,000 cash assistance to PUV drivers on March 17, starting with tricycle drivers.
Other transport workers in Metro Manila will also receive their P5,000 cash relief assistance beginning Tuesday.
The payout schedules are as follows:
- March 24 (Tuesday): Transportation Network Vehicle Service
- March 25 (Wednesday): public utility jeepneys
- March 26-27 (Thursday-Friday): delivery riders
- March 28 (Saturday): motorcycle taxis
Fuel subsidies for all PUV drivers are expected to be released by the end of March. /dp
