The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board announced on March 30 that it has distributed nearly P1 billion in fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle drivers and operators across the Philippines.
The cash assistance aims to help nearly 178,000 legitimate PUV drivers manage soaring fuel costs. Of the P2.5 billion allocated for the program, over P651 million has already been disbursed directly to beneficiaries. The funds come from the national budget under the Department of Transportation.
"We will continue to ensure that subsidies reach our transport workers," LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III stated. He emphasized the subsidies are crucial for maintaining affordable public transport fares amid economic pressures.
The program targets drivers of jeepneys, buses, taxis, and other PUVs who hold valid franchises. Beneficiaries receive cash assistance through various payout channels, including authorized banks and remittance centers.
The LTFRB has urged qualified drivers who haven't received aid to contact their hotline at 1342. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to support transport workers affected by rising fuel prices.
This subsidy program represents a direct government intervention to stabilize the public transportation sector. Transportation advocates have welcomed the move but continue to call for long-term solutions to address the structural challenges facing public utility vehicle operators.
