PUV drivers, operators clamor for fuel subsidy

Jeepney drivers are still clamoring for fuel subsidies.

The Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) on Sunday said some public utility vehicle drivers and operators have not yet received their fuel subsidies from the government.

In a radio interview at dzBB, Boy Vargas ALTODAP president said that he is planning to meet with Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III to discuss the fuel subsidy.

"What we are waiting for is the fuel subsidy. Authorities said that it has been released already. Some have received theirs, but others haven't," Vargas said.

Earlier LTFRB said the fuel subsidies would be released last Wednesday, 13 September, saying the Department of Budget and Management approved on 8 September the release of P3 billion worth of funds to implement the Fuel Subsidy Program for transportation workers affected by rising pump prices.

Vargas said that some branches of the Landbank of the Philippines are not releasing cash cards for the subsidy due to the election spending ban in light of the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

"They are saying that due to the election spending ban, they won't release the cards. We will clarify that." Vargas said.

The cards are the jeepney drivers and operators hoped to be used in select gasoline stations in exchange for fuel to mitigate the impact of the consecutive big-time oil price hikes.