All PUV drivers eligible for fuel aid; group says subsidy not enough amid rising costs

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.

[Translation: We don’t want a solution like how we fix our roads where, whenever we see a pothole, we just patch it up. When we build roads, they should be long-lasting... Not just a patchwork solution.]

The transport group leader also noted that increasing fares by P1 may not provide relief.

“‘Yung piso walang saysay iyan kasi lalamunin yan ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo,” Floranda said.

[Translation: That one peso is meaningless because it will be eaten up by the rising price of fuel.]

Transportation spokesperson Mon Ilagan earlier said in a televised interview that Secretary Vince Dizon already instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to stop raising fares and prioritize the subsidy rollout.

Meanwhile, Floranda also slammed the two-step hike that began on Tuesday, saying oil companies are just deceiving consumers.

He said their group may likely hold a transport strike, especially when diesel prices reach P60 per liter.

“Kung walang gagawin ang gobyerno, hahantong tayo sa tigil pasada hindi lang sa NCR kung hindi sa buong bansa,” Floranda said.

[Translation: If the government won’t do anything, we will stage a transport strike not only in Metro Manila but nationwide.]