• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Negros Island Region (LTFRB-NIR) has asked local government units (LGUs) to provide additional fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, on top of the national government’s fuel subsidy program.
LTFRB-NIR Director Gerry Llena said on Tuesday, March 10 going for the “One Time, Big Time” subsidy for PUV drivers would not be enough.
He added that they are still awaiting the guidelines on the rollout of the government’s fuel subsidy program for PUV operators and drivers.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza said the total budget for the subsidy amounts to P2.5 billion, with about P1.3 billion allocated for LTFRB-franchised vehicles.
About 256,000 PUV operators and drivers, including those operating jeepneys, UV Express units, taxis, and transport network vehicle services, are expected to benefit, with subsidy amounts may range from about P10,500 for modern public utility jeepneys, depending on the final allocation, while traditional jeepneys are expected to receive around P5,000.
In a meeting with Negros Oriental local government executives in Dumaguete City on March 10, Llena said the mayors are amenable to it, among them Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda.
Llena said he hopes that the Negros Island Region governors and lawmakers will also support his proposal for additional fuel subsidy to PUV drivers.
The fuel subsidy will be released to PUV operators and drivers, provided they are included in the list, and to be distributed through Land Bank of the Philippines cards given to them, he added.
He said the LTFRB is currently coordinating with the government bank to distribute the subsidy through cards, which beneficiaries can use at partner gas stations. | GB
