Fuel Subsidy for PUVs to Resume After Comelec Exempts Program from Election Spending Ban

On Wednesday, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) approved the exemption of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) fuel subsidy program for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators from the election spending ban. However, it also ensured that the funds will go to the rightful beneficiaries after affirming that it will enforce strict conditions for its implementation.

“We granted the petition of the LTFRB as regards to fuel subsidy program,” explained Comelec commissioner George Garcia in a press conference. “Definitely, we will immediately issue the resolution,” he added, noting a formal resolution must first be adopted before the LTFRB is able to resume to program. The resolution is expected to come out within the week to curb the effects of the continuous hike in oil prices on PUV drivers.

The urgency to resume the LTFRB’s program was echoed by Sen. Grace Poe who affirmed that “hunger simply cannot wait.” Distribution of the fuel subsidy was earlier halted on March 25 after the Comelec spending ban took effect. “The grant of the petition of the LTFRB will be subject to strict implementation of the program by the submission of information on how the project will be implemented, the parameters of the implementation,” Garcia elaborated. “We have to monitor how the department is implementing the fuel subsidy because the commission wants (to make sure) that the money is well spent and in accordance with the policy of the President (and) with the plan of action on how the project should be implemented.”

Steve Pastor, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary, expressed satisfaction in the Comelec’s decision. “In fact even during the time of the suspension of the distribution, the LTFRB has already prepared the pertinent document in coordination with Landbank so that once we receive the actual resolution, we can already implement the thing,” said Pastor.

The government had already allocated ₱3 billion for the program, in light of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Prior to the election ban, around ₱6,500 in fuel subsidies had already been distributed to 110,287 jeepney and bus drivers. Meanwhile, 67,447 applications are still under review by the LTFRB.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) had likewise urged Comelec to reconsider its petition to exempt the ₱500 million of fuel aid reserved for corn farmers and fishers. “Now, agricultural producers are affected because of higher petrol prices. Prices of fertilizers, feeds and other farm inputs have been increasing,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar. “We need to produce more food at every opportunity.” Before the ban took effect, the DA had already distributed ₱3,000 to corn farmers and fishers in Leyte and Zambales provinces.

Sources: CNN PH, Inquirer