• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has taken the cudgels for at least 500 Bacolod City tricycle drivers, who appealed their exclusion from the government’s fuel subsidy program, urging the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expedite the review and ensure that qualified drivers receive assistance without delay.
In a statement, Escudero said the situation of the drivers reflects the broader challenges faced by low income transport workers nationwide, many of whom continue to struggle with rising fuel prices while relying on daily operations to support their families.
Quoting a report of the Visayan DAILY STAR, he said about 500 tricycle drivers in Bacolod City filed an appeal after failing to appear on the initial list of beneficiaries for the DSWD’s fuel subsidy and cash aid distribution, which ran from April 8 until the close of the appeals period early this week.
Bacolod Department of Social Services and Development head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado Mangga said the names of the excluded drivers will be submitted to the national government for reconsideration.
Verdeprado-Mangga added that the city government had required documentation through the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) to streamline the process.
Escudero said the DSWD should immediately act on the appeals and also reach out to qualified drivers who have yet to claim their assistance.
As of press time, 56 approved beneficiaries in Bacolod still have unclaimed subsidies, according to local officials.
Escudero said that the timely distribution of aid would help ease the burden on transport workers while fuel prices remain elevated.*
