Drivers, farmers and other target beneficiaries will just have to wait a little longer before the distribution of fuel subsidies as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday, April 6 the approval of the petition of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) from exemption of the fund release ban in place.
However, according to Commissioner George Erwin Garcia, the grant of the petition is subject to the strict implementation of the fuel subsidy program by submission of the information on how the project will be implemented, the parameters of its implementation, and most especially the specific target beneficiaries and how they will apply to avail of the program.
It is also subject to the submission of the different departments that will be implementing the program which includes the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other such agencies.
Garcia explained that they have to specifically mention the beneficiaries, the how and when the project is to be implemented as well as conduct documentation like with the implementation before of similar projects.
Garcia said that the LTFRB can immediately implement but will have to wait first for the resolution to be promulgated by the poll body. He added that the resolution will contain the strict conditions necessary for the LTFRB to comply.
He explained that the LTFRB will be the one who will be designating the amount to the different government agencies who will be implementing the program.
"We should be able to monitor how the department will implement yung ating (this) fuel subsidy. Because we want to be sure rin -- the Commission -- that the money is well- spent and in accordance with the policy of the President. Likewise, in accordance with the plan of action on how the project should be implemented," he said.
"This is now notice to the LTFRB and the different departments that you can now prepare the plan on how to properly implement the fuel subsidy," he added.
Garcia mentioned that the resolution may be out by Thursday, April 7 or the latest by Friday, April 8. Now that it has been approved, he said that the LTFRB and concerned agencies can prepare the list of the target beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, the poll body also approved the petition for exemption of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) which, according to Garcia, no longer required their approval.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10747 promulgated on Dec. 16, 2021, effective March 25, until May 8, 2022, no public official or employee, including officials, and those of government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries, shall release, disburse or expend any public funds.