Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 14) – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday at least 36,000 transport drivers may claim their cash aid under the government’s Social Amelioration Program.
The drivers are part of the LTFRB’s initial list that was verified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
LTFRB National Capital Regional Director Zona Tamayo told CNN Philippines that they are working closely with the DSWD to ensure all public utility drivers are able to avail of the cash assistance.
“Around 200,000 na rin po yung list of names na finorward natin sa DSWD for cross verification, ongoing po yan and that covers drivers nationwide,” Tamayo said in an interview on CNN Philippines.
[Translation: We have endorsed a list of around 200,000 [drivers] to DSWD for cross verification, that is ongoing and that covers drivers nationwide.]
Tamayo said the cash assistance program covers all public utility drivers, including those who operate buses, jeepneys, taxis, and UV express units.
She clarified that TNVS drivers and motorcycle taxi drivers can also receive cash aid under the LTFRB, but tricycle drivers are under the jurisdiction of their local governments.
Tamayo advised drivers to make sure they are part of the LTFRB’s verified list before going to the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines to claim the cash aid.
The drivers may submit their information to the agency if their names have not yet been included in the LTFRB’s list.
Tamayo said the list of beneficiaries is constantly being updated on the agency’s social media accounts, including Facebook page.
“Nakikita natin na nagdagsaan po ang mga tao sa mga Landbank branches,” she said. “Hindi naman ho natin sila masisisi dahil sa panahon ngayon nangangailangan din sila ng assistance.”
[Translation: We can see that the number of people going to Landbank branches is increasing. We can’t blame them because they also need help at this time.]
Tamayo said they coordinated with the police to ensure social distancing among those lining up for cash aid at Landbank branches.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, spokesman of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, said he asked Land Bank to open its branches in Metro Manila on Saturdays so that the cash aid could be distributed to target beneficiaries even on weekends.
The DSWD earlier clarified that under the Social Amelioration Program, affected workers will receive a one-time financial assistance worth P5,000 to P8,000, depending on the minimum wage in their region.
