by Kristine Doringo
MANILA, Philippines — As fuel prices continue to rise, the government has begun distributing P1 billion in fuel subsidies to approximately 136,000 public utility jeepney drivers.
This comes as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) introduced the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program (PPP) on Wednesday, aiming to help drivers handle the stress of increasing fuel prices.
During the launching ceremony, LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra stated that, while fuel prices have slightly decreased in recent weeks, they remain high when compared to the start of the year. We must assist our transportation sector, particularly our jeepney drivers.
Not only to assist drivers in meeting their daily fuel expenses, but also to ensure that public transportation is available for commuters, he added.
The 136,000 jeepney drivers will receive a one-time incentive of P7,200 per vehicle. Subsidies will be deposited into their PPP cards.
According to LTFRB NCR Regional Director Atty. Zona Tamayo, the subsidy can only be used to purchase fuel at participating petroleum retail outlets or gasoline stations.
Currently, nine fuel companies are involved in the program.
Any misuse of the card (purchase of products other than fuel with the card) will automatically disqualify the card owner from the subsidy program and its benefits.
According to the LTFRB, the program is part of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act.
As per the LTFRB, there are already 85,000 active PPP card members, with 78,000 receiving their subsidies on Tuesday.
Those who do not have cards must wait while the Land Bank of the Philippines produces and distributes them.
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