Fuel subsidy for 11,000 PUJs in Western Visayas

ILOILO City – An estimated 11,000 registered public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Western Visayas are covered by the fuel subsidy from the national government at P5,000 each.

So far, according to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional director Richard Osmeña, 220 fuel subsidy cards have been released.

Landbank of the Philippines has been tapped to issue the cards under the “Pantawid Pasada” program. It started releasing them last week.

PUJs from Guimaras were the first recipients.

The fuel subsidy distribution may be completed in three to four months, said Osmeña.

“Pantawid Pasada” aims to counter the impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) law on the public transport sector.

During a recent visit here, LTRFB chairman Martin Delgra III said the Department of Transportation allotted P977 million for PUJs’ fuel subsidy this year.

Jeepney drivers can use the fuel subsidy card to purchase P5,000 worth of fuel from participating gas stations (Caltex, Petron, Phoenix, Shell, Total, and Unioil), he said.

Delgra, however, issued a warning: non-fuel purchases are prohibited.

Those found misusing the card would be blacklisted by LTFRB and would be ordered to refund the P5,000, he said.

SOURCE: Panay News

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