Iloilo City to provide fuel subsidy for 1,700 PUV drivers
TRENAS (FB)
ILOILO CITY – The local government here has initially allocated P3 million for the subsidy of around 1,700 public utility vehicles in anticipation of a fuel price hike amid the crisis in the Middle East.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said they looked into how they can help the drivers as fuel prices are estimated to go up to P90 per liter.
“We look into having an immediate relief response for our drivers. So, we thought of having coupons,” he said in an interview on Friday.
Treñas said they can start with jeepney drivers and expand to taxis and tricycles.
Under the program, drivers and operators can receive P1,500 worth of petroleum products monthly through their transport cooperatives.
A P500 to P1,500 subsidy is being considered for tricycle and taxi drivers once it is expanded.
To qualify, drivers should be plying the city routes and are actual residents of Iloilo City. They should have a valid driver’s license and operators must have a Certificate of Public Convenience or franchise.
The PUV has to be included in the validated master list of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“This is just the initial relief package that we see for the drivers. We are also looking at how to help displaced workers and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises),” Treñas said.
She said documents are being finalized and will still have to go under bidding process.
While waiting, Treñas said they will already get the data of qualified drivers and operators to start the processing of their documents.
Once the budget and coupons are ready, they will start with the distribution, she said.
The Atipan (care) center will coordinate with the drivers and operators for the distribution.
The fuel subsidy coupon is valid until Dec. 31, 2026, subject to the availability of funds. (PNA)