Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 18) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is planning to limit the fuel subsidy to drivers and operators participating in the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
According to the LTFRB, it will roll out one-time assistance of ₱6,000 nationwide to PUV drivers by late August to mitigate the ₱2-increase in fuel prices this week.
“It goes with the program of the government of modernization,” said LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz. “’Pag hindi ka naman nag-consolidate by December 31, hindi ka na rin bibigyan ng prangkisa. So, bakit pa namin kayo bibigyan ng fuel subsidy kung wala ka na ring prangkisa?”
[Translation: If you do not consolidate by December 31, you will not be given a franchise. So, why would we give you a fuel subsidy if you don’t even have a franchise?]
Guadiz said transport authorities will be coming up with a policy, but for now, the subsidy will be available to all PUV drivers, including tricycle drivers.
Meanwhile, transport regulators said talks are also underway on raising the subsidy for the purchase of modernized jeepneys to ₱360,000 from ₱160,000, as well as adjustments for the loan program.
