• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Uncertain as to when the Middle East armed conflict will end, the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board- Negros Island Region (LTFRB-NIR) is proposing that local government units to provide additional fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, on top of the national government’s fuel subsidy program.
Atty. Gerry Llena, the LTFRB regional director for Negros Island Region, said the “One Time, Big Time” subsidy program for PUV drivers, “eventually, that would not be enough.”
Llena said they are still waiting for the guidelines on the rollout of the government’s fuel subsidy program for PUV operators and drivers.
LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza said the total budget for the subsidy amounts to P2.5 billion, with about P1.3 billion allocated for LTFRB-franchised vehicles.
About 256,000 PUV operators and drivers, including those operating jeepneys, UV Express units, taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS), are expected to benefit, with subsidy amounts ranging from about P10,500 for modern public utility jeepneys, while traditional jeepneys are expected to receive around P5,000, depending on the final allocation.
In a meeting with Negros Oriental local government executives on Tuesday in Dumaguete City, Llena disclosed that mayors are amenable to the proposal for additional fuel subsidy, including Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda.
Llena said he hopes that Negros Island Region governors and solons will also be amenable for his proposal for additional fuel subsidy to PUV drivers.
The fuel subsidy will be released to PUV operators and drivers, provided they are included in the list, and distributed through Land Bank cards that will be given to them, he added.
The agency is currently coordinating with the Land Bank of the Philippines to distribute the subsidy through the cards, which beneficiaries can use at partner gas stations.
Llena added that there is presently no petition from NIR transport groups to increase the fares.*
