Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6) — Over 1.6 million public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers, including tricycle drivers and delivery riders, are set to receive fuel subsidies from the government to cushion the impact of consecutive weeks of spikes in fuel prices.
In a statement Sunday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it will hasten the distribution of ₱2.95 billion in fuel assistance through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).According to the DOTr, drivers of modern jeepneys and UV Express vans will receive ₱10,000, while drivers of other modes of transport will get ₱6,500.Tricycle and delivery riders, on the other hand, will be given ₱1,000 and ₱1,200, respectively.The DOTr will distribute the one-time cash grant to some 280,000 PUV drivers, while 930,000 tricycle drivers and 150,000 delivery service riders will receive assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.We will make sure that the assistance to our PUV drivers will be distributed immediately so they can use it, pay for their fuel and improve their daily income,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
Motorists are gearing up for another big-time fuel price hike for the fifth consecutive week with an increase of over ₱3 expected for diesel.
