DBM approves P3-B fuel subsidy for PUV drivers

MANILA  -The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has given the green light for the release of P3 billion in funds for the fuel subsidy kitty, intended to help 1.36 million drivers and operators of public utility vehicles and delivery services at a time of rising fuel prices.

Through the fuel subsidy program, beneficiaries expect to receive a one-time aid of P1,000 to as much as P10,000 each.

Based on weekly public notices from oil companies, prices of diesel have increased by a net of P10.70 per liter since the start of this year. At the same time, prices of gasoline increased by a net of P15.25 per liter.

“Transportation is the lifeblood of our economy and we will make sure that those in the transport sector shall receive the help that they deserve, as President Marcos ordered,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement.

The DBM said those in the roster of target beneficiaries were identified and validated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Those driving or operating tricycles are entitled to a subsidy of P1,000 while those involved in delivery services will get P1,200.

To receive P6,500 are those in school transport services, tourist transport services, transport network vehicle services, shuttle service taxis, Filcabs, taxis, minibuses, public utility buses, traditional utility vehicle express (UVE) and traditional public utility jeepneys.

Meanwhile those with modernized UVEs and modernized PUJ will receive P10,000.

According to the DBM, the release of the fund was authorized after the agency received on Sept. 4 a revised request from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for such a fund, with all the required supporting documents.

An earlier request for release was turned down in August because the required documents were incomplete or not in order, the DBM said.

The subsidy is being released to the DOTr’s Office of the Secretary, which will in turn, fully transfer the same to the LTFRB, as the implementing agency.

Further—based on the certified master list of eligible beneficiaries—the Land Bank of the Philippines will distribute the subsidies through the identified modes of payment, upon receipt of instructions from the LTFRB on the procedures, mechanics and the agreed schedule.

Also, Landbank will provide the DOTr and the LTFRB the required reports of its successful crediting of the amounts, for purposes of monitoring.