Public utility jeepney (PUJ) and utility vehicle (UV) express drivers have started getting a fuel subsidy of P12 per liter, from P10/L, each week, since Aug. 15, as the impact of the Middle East crisis lingers.
The subsidy is part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) which provides relief to vulnerable sectors and keeps the economy growing, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said.
The higher fuel subsidy gives drivers an additional P1,800 in savings in fuel expenses every week.
Since April 14, about 93,000 drivers across the country have benefited from the fuel subsidy program of the national government, it added.
Over 143,000 jeepney and UV Express units were already listed in the fuel discount program in over 5,000 gas stations across the country.
In Negros Island Region, the participating gasoline stations include Petron along Araneta and BS Aquino Drive and Shell in Araneta-Magsaysay and corner 18th Lacson Street, all in Bacolod; Seaoil in Talacagay, Hinobaan in Negros Occidental; Petro Gazz in Amlan, and Petron and Flying V in Guihulngan in Negros Oriental; and Petron in Poblacion, San Juan in Siquijor.
Based on the guideline, jeepney and UV Express operators and drivers could avail of a maximum of 150 liters discounted petroleum products every week, or a savings of around P1,800, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said Aug. 16.
All the driver would do is to give the license plate before gassing up and the discount is automatically deducted.
LTFRB chairman, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, who checked on the implementation of the increased P12 fuel discount, said he already instructed all regional field offices to continuously monitor and submit reports of the status of the fuel discount program in their areas of responsibility.
“The instruction is for all of us in the LTFRB to be responsive in immediately addressing whatever concerns that may come in the implementation,” he said, adding that all documentary requirements be prepared promptly for the immediate payment of participating gas stations across the country.
“We are now preparing the credit memos so we can pay gas stations without delay,” he added. ||
