Senator Win Gatchalian has called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to speed up the distribution of fuel subsidies to targeted beneficiaries in the public transport sector.
Manny Palmero
Gatchalian made the call as he is set to pursue the provision of the third tranche of fuel subsidy program to provide economic relief to the transport sector reeling from the effects of the spiraling oil prices.
“Many (drivers) have stopped plying their routes, eventually losing their job,” he said.
“The key here is speed in helping since time is of the essence,” said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy.
“Many have stopped plying their routes, eventually losing their job,” he said.
“The key here is speed he giving of help since time is of the essence,” said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy.
Gathalian held a consultative meeting with the LTRFB to address runaway oil prices.
He is eyeing another round of Pantawid Pasada Program amounting to P3,000 per month for the next five months.
The distribution of the first tranche of the fuel subsidy for public utility drivers and operators, supposed to have been completed within the second week of May, had been derailed due to lack of existing database of the intended beneficiaries.
LTFRB chief Martin Delgra told Gatchalian during the consultative meeting that it was only this month that they were able to complete the database of qualified and legitimate franchise holders after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) submitted the list of eligible tricycle drivers.
As of June 16, the total credited fuel subsidies stood at 232,586 or 88 percent and the remaining 31,992 was promised by Landbank to be remitted to the account holders this week.
Gatchalian emphasized the need to build payout systems to guarantee the prompt and accurate cash transfers, as well as easy access to the government financial assistance.
Eligible PUV drivers- received their subsidies through their existing Pantawid Pasada cash cards, while non-cardholders were provided cash cards at designated Landbank branches identified by the LTFRB.