DOE to finish distributing fuel subsidy cards to Metro jeepneys within May

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy expects to complete by the end of the month the distribution of fuel smart cards, each containing P1,050, to jeepney drivers in Metro Manila.

In a statement, the DOE said the remaining unclaimed cards, which were issued by the national government under the “Pantawid Pasada” Program, would be made available to various distribution centers in Metro Manila only until May 31.

Apart from the Camp Crame main distribution center, nine more satellite centers were put up to help expedite the processing and dissemination of cards.

These satellite distribution centers are located in Alabang Central Terminal; 55 Yale St. Cubao, Quezon City; Manila City Hall Satellite Office, Divisoria (for Divisoria routes); in Monumento Shell Station in Second Avenue, Avenida Extension (from May 23 to May 26) and then Caltex Station along Edsa and Pioneer Street (May 27, 30-31); Baclaran- Sucat Terminal; Marikina- Agora Complex, Bgy. Sto. Niño, Marikina City; Blumentritt- Aurora near Chinese General Hospital; Guadalupe- Barangay Hall in Barangay Nuevo; and Novaliches Mini-City Hall, Jordan Plains, Barangay Sta. Monica.

The DOE reminds jeepney drivers that once they receive the cards, they are requested to hold off transactions until after one week (or five working days) to make way for the loading of the cards.

The DOE also points out that not all gasoline stations accept or are capable of accepting Pantawid Pasada cards. Those who have point-of-sale terminals will be able to entertain such transactions.

It says the Pantawid Pasada Cards are given out to legitimate franchise holders at no cost.

Energy Undersecretary Jose M. Layug Jr. earlier said it would take about two months from May 2 to complete the nationwide distribution of the fuel smart cards, which were meant to help the public transport sector cope with spiraling fuel prices.

Luckily for the transport sector, fuel prices have started going down over the past three consecutive weeks, allowing public drivers to purchase more fuel out of their P1,050 fuel subsidy.