The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) vowed on Wednesday, Mar. 2, to expedite the release of the government's fuel subsidy to operators and drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Zona Tamayo, director of the LTFRB- National Capital Region, said they have already coordinated with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and other concerned agencies for the release and distribution of funds amounting to P6,500 for each of the beneficiary.

“Sa ngayon ay nakipagugnayan na po tayo sa DBM para po sa pag process and release of funds (As of now we are coordinating with the DBM to process and release the funds),” Tamayo said in Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday, March 2.

However, she said that the funds may only be released if the Dubai crude oil price reaches and exceeds $80 per barrel for three months, as stated in a provision under the 2022 General Appropriation Act (GAA).

Tamayo explained that the drivers will receive the P6,500 fuel subsidy fund through Pantawid Pasada cards that the Landbank will issue. The drivers will present these cards to participating gas stations to purchase fuel.

“Yung card may nakalagay na plate number para meron tayong basis kapag sila ay nagprisinta sa ating participating gas stations. So kahit operator ang nakapangalan ang card po ay pwedeng gamitin ng driver dahil ang magiging reference po natin ay yung plate number (Plate numbers will be placed on the cards so that we have a basis when drivers present them on participating gas stations. Even though the card is named after the operators, drivers can still use them because plate numbers are our reference),” she said.

In the case of fare hikes for public transport vehicles, Tamayo said that the LTFRB has met with transport leaders regarding the implementation of programs such as providing sufficient funds for drivers to conduct “libreng sakay” (free ride) for commuters.

She added that the agency’s board members would hear the proposed P3 to P5 fare hike increase on March 8.