In Lucena, tricycle drivers say fuel subsidy just ‘gimmick’

LUCENA CITY—Most tricycle drivers and operators here are not enthusiastic to receive the P150 fuel subsidy under the “Pantawid Pasada” program of the Aquino administration, saying it was a “cheap gimmick.”

“The drivers are the ones directly affected every time gasoline prices shoot up. But why is it that the subsidy will be given to our operators and not to us?” said driver Joey Soriano who shook his head in disgust.

He said most operators would surely keep the money for themselves.

Executive Order No. 32 signed by President Aquino provides for the subsidy as a way to cushion the impact of oil price increases on the public transport sector.

On Monday, Teodorica Vizcarra, local head of the Department of Interior and Local Government, announced that her office would soon start distributing the one-time gasoline subsidy to 2,800 tricycle franchise holders registered with the city’s tricycle franchising and regulatory committee.

A tricycle operator, who requested anonymity, said in an interview that precious time will be lost in securing the subsidy card.

“For me, it’s not worth my time,” he said as his driver will be unable to earn during the time he uses the tricycle to get the card.

Some operators, however, said the money could still be of help to buy parts and defray maintenance costs.

Other tricycle drivers prefer that local authorities address the chaotic traffic condition in the city streets caused by an on-going traffic rerouting experiment.

Most motorists said the experiment only resulted in more gas consumption for their vehicles.

President Aquino ordered the fuel subsidy distributed to drivers of public utility vehicles amid the continuing increases in prices of gasoline, and amid prospects of massive protests brought about by these increases.