Around 115,000 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) have received their one-time PHP6,500 fuel subsidy from the government, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Wednesday.

In a Laging Handa briefing, Zona Russet Tamayo, regional director of the LTFRB – National Capital Region (NCR), said the funds were distributed through cash cards provided by the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP).

“Patuloy na ho na nag-i-imprint ang LBP ng mga bagong ‘Pantawid Pasada’ cards para ho maipamahagi na rin natin ang mga ito sa ating additional beneficiaries ngayong taon (LBP continues its printing of cash cards to be distributed later to additional beneficiaries this year),” Tamayo said.

Among these additional beneficiaries are drivers and operators of a transport network vehicle service (TNVS), UV Express, and tricycles.

The LTFRB will begin the distribution of cash cards to drivers and operators of TNVS and UV Express units beginning next week, Tamayo said.

For tricycle drivers and operators, she said the LTFRB would coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as tricycles are under the mandate of local government units (LGU).

“Patuloy ang ating pakikipag-usap sa DILG para ho mahingi na sa kanila iyong listahan po ng mga beneficiaries po nating mga tricycle driver (Our talks with the DILG continues so we can compile a list of beneficiaries among tricycle drivers),” Tamayo said.

The latest fuel subsidy of the government began distribution on March 15 through existing LBP cash cards issued through previous subsidy programs by the government.

In addition to the fuel subsidy, the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation are eyeing the relaunch of the Service Contracting Program that would provide cash incentives to PUV drivers and operators and free rides to commuters. (PNA)