Senators on Thursday lauded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the “timely response” of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow the continued distribution of fuel subsidy to the public sector.
“The order to allow the resumption of fuel subsidy distribution to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators is a timely response by the Comelec,” Sen. Grace Poe said in a statement.
“We urge the government to speed up efforts on the use of digital payments through financial service providers like e-wallets for a more efficient aid distribution during a crisis,” Poe added.
Poe also called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to make use of the national ID system to make it easier to identify and verify the data of beneficiaries.
“Help is most effective when it reaches our people in their time of need,” she said.
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who is running as an independent presidential candidate, also welcomed the poll body’s move.
“Way to go and kudos to the Commission on Elections for acting expeditiously on such a no-brainer issue involving the fuel subsidy grant under the Special Provision under the Department of Transportation's 2022 budget,” Lacson said.
“This is a great deal for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, as well as farmers and fisherfolk who are dealing with the continued rise in prices of oil,” he added.
Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, also said he sees it appropriate for the poll body to resume the distribution of fuel subsidy.
“Dapat naman (that should be). They are not supposed to be covered from the public works prohibition during the campaign period,” Sotto said.