• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod Lone District Representative and Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez led the distribution of fuel subsidy cards to 1,780 consolidated public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers yesterday, April 16, at his district office.
The initiative provided each driver with P1,000 in fuel assistance, divided into two cards worth P500 each.
“All those who registered with the LTFRB are being provided with fuel cards. We are not giving this in cash because we want to ensure that jeepney operators use the funds specifically to purchase gasoline,” the solon said.
The program was funded through the personal funds of the lawmaker, to assist the transport sector amid the ongoing oil crisis and fluctuating fuel prices.
The issuance of the cards was also categorized based on the specific routes of the jeepney drivers to streamline the distribution process.
Benitez stated that the move aims to support the livelihoods of those who provide daily essential services to the community during periods of rising fuel prices.*
