Metro Manila, Philippines – While all consolidated and non-consolidated public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are eligible to receive a subsidy amid the soaring fuel costs, a transport group said they need more than just a one-time aid.
In a protest action in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 24, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) said the government needs to provide long-term solutions, such as removing the excise tax, to address big-time fuel price hikes brought by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Department of Transportation earlier said it is finalizing guidelines for the immediate rollout of the subsidy, which has a budget of P2.5 billion.
The agency has yet to release the amount of the subsidy for each driver but vowed it will cover all drivers and operators.
PISTON, however, said the cash relief may just cover four days of the drivers’ fuel costs if they consume 30 liters per day.
“Ayaw natin ng parang kalsada na kapag nakakita ng lubak tatapalan natin ang kalsada. Kailangan kapag gumawa tayo kalsada dapat long…Hindi yung patse-patseng solusyon,” said Mody Floranda, PISTON president.
