Senators Panfilo Lacson and Grace Poe on Thursday commended the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday for allowing the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to continue its distribution of fuel subsidy for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators.

Lacson said the action is a great deal for PUV drivers and operators, as well as for farmers and fisherfolk who are struggling amid the continued rise in prices of oil.

“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,” he said.

Likewise, Poe said the move is a timely response by the Comelec as she suggested a digital payment to hasten the distribution of fuel subsidy.

“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. Help is most effective when it reaches our people in their time of need,” she said.

On Wednesday, Lacson and Poe questioned the interruption of the government’s fuel subsidy distribution due to Comelec Resolution No. 10747 prohibiting the release, disbursement, or expenditures of public funds during campaign period for the May 9 elections.

Lacson said he cannot see how the government’s fuel subsidy can be construed as vote-buying.

“We cannot tell our people to hold on for relief until the elections are over. Hunger simply cannot wait,” Poe, for her part, said.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said in a press briefing on Wednesday that the LTFRB could implement the fuel subsidy program immediately but has to wait for the poll body’s resolution which contains the conditions. (PNA)