The Department of Transportation said Wednesday it started the distribution of the P1 billion fuel subsidies for public utility jeepney drivers amid the COVID-19 pandemic and rising fuel costs.
Zona Tamayo, director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board National Capital Region (LTFRB-NCR) said during a virtual briefing that the Land Bank of the Philippines credited the amount of P7,200 to some 78,000 beneficiaries as of November 23.
More than 136,000 valid franchise holders of PUJs nationwide will benefit from the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program.
Each recipient will receive a one-time Pantawid Fuel card containing P7,200 as fuel subsidy for this year.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the fuel subsidy program of the government aimed to help jeepney drivers and operators to cope with the impact of COVID-19 and the rising petroleum prices.
For those without Pantawid Pasada Program Card, Tamayo said account enrollment form has been coordinated by the LTFRB with Landbank for printing of the cards.
Fuel subsidy shall be deposited to the individual account once accounts are opened. Beneficiaries can then proceed to their designated Landbank branch to claim their PPP cards.
The Pantawid Pasada Fuel card is valid for fuel purchases only at participating petroleum retail outlets or gasoline stations, with the “Pantawid Pasada Card Accepted Here” sign posted.
Any violation in the use of the card (purchase of other products aside from fuel using the card) will automatically disqualify the card owner from the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program and its benefits.
Initially implemented in 2018 and 2019 in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10963, otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.