Over 63K drivers, operators get gov’t fuel subsidy

MANILA – Over 63,000 drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs)operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs)have received the government’s fuel subsidy during the first two days of its distribution, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Thursday.

In a statement, the LTFRB said PHP417,086,500 has been transferred to the drivers and operators of 63,864 PUVs as of September 14.

“Based on LTFRB data, some 23,047 operators of PUVs received the said subsidy on September 13 and 40,817 received their subsidy the following day,” the LTFRB said in Filipino.

Most of these beneficiaries, it said, are operators of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs), modern PUJs, public utility buses, mini-buses, tourist transport services, school transport services, and ‘Filcabs.’

It assured other PUV operators and drivers that the distribution of the fuel subsidy continues.

A total of 1.36 million beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the PHP3-billion fuel subsidy program.

Under the fuel subsidy program, PHP10,000 will be given to modernized PUV drivers; PHP6,500 for drivers of traditional four-wheel PUVs; PHP1,200 for delivery riders; and PHP1,000 for tricycle drivers. (With a report from Raymond Carl dela Cruz/PNA)