Fuel Subsidy for PUV Drivers on Hold Amid BSKE Election Ban

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended the distribution of the P12-per-liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, citing the election ban on social services spending ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Several jeepney drivers expressed frustration over the suspension. One driver appealed, "They should increase the subsidy if they refuse to raise fares, especially with diesel prices continuously rising. What will happen to us drivers?" Another driver indicated he might temporarily cease operations due to low passenger volume and soaring fuel costs, stating, "I’m just going to park the vehicle for now while waiting for our subsidy. Fuel prices are just too high, and there aren’t many passengers." Under the election code, public welfare and social service programs are prohibited during the election period unless an exemption is granted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Comelec has stated it is open to allowing the fuel subsidy to proceed once an exemption is requested, but a formal request has yet to be received from the LTFRB. The rising fuel prices are also impacting public transport operations. At a bus terminal in Sampaloc, Manila, one bus company has been forced to reduce trips and adjust departure schedules to cope with escalating fuel costs. To avoid operating at a loss, the bus operator explained they need a higher passenger turnout, stating, "We have reduced some trips to allow more passengers to gather. Once we have around 30 passengers, that’s when we start the engine and turn on the air-conditioning, and only then do we allow passengers to board." The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has met with interagency officials to formulate measures to address the looming fuel crisis. Among the key measures discussed was a proposed public transport fare hike. Meanwhile, stakeholders are awaiting a decision from Malacañang on the possible removal of excise taxes on petroleum products, especially with Dubai crude prices reaching US$123 per barrel, well above the US$80 threshold for tax relief intervention. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has approved another round of targeted relief assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. "We are examining possible implementation arrangements. We will continue to advance social protection mechanisms to help affected transport workers," said DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao. Source: GMA News Philippines