SANCHEZ MIRA, Cagayan—Partido Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson became the bearer of good news for most tricycle drivers and farmers here when he announced they are entitled to receive fuel subsidies from the government that are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks.

In a town hall meeting that lasted over an hour on Tuesday, Lacson even committed to assist them in claiming these gas allowances provided they are listed in the official database of registered tricycle drivers and farmers in their respective local government units (LGU).

“Kapag hindi niyo nilista ang inyong pangalan sa local government unit, walang basehan sila para i-submit ang inyong mga pangalan sa DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) … Napaka-importante ngayon pa lang ihanda na ‘yung listahan ng mga pangalan ng mga miyembro,” he said.

A special provision under the 2022 General Appropriations Act specified that tricycle drivers and even local delivery riders are included in the broad definition of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, who shall benefit from the P5-billion state-funded fuel subsidy, not only jeepney, bus and taxi drivers.

Lacson explained that the DILG is the agency tasked to coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the distribution of this ‘pantawid pasada’ measure to the members of various tricycle operators’ and drivers’ associations (TODA) nationwide.

“Kunin niyo ‘yung kumpletong listahan ng mga TODA member. ‘Pag hindi kayo napalista, hindi kayo mabibigyan ng ayuda, malaki-laki rin po ‘yon—P5,000 o kaya P6,000—para pantulong doon sa taas ng ating fuel,” he advised local leaders, noting that such list may be subjected to further validation.

Lacson said similar guidelines apply to qualified local farmers whose fuel grants will be coursed through the Department of Agriculture (DA). The Department of Energy allocated a separate P1.1-billion funding for this program to cushion the impact of oil price hikes on the agriculture sector, too.

The presidential candidate told Sanchez Mira-based farmers they may get in touch with one of his legislative team lawyers, Atty. Louie Martinez, who could guide them in claiming their subsidies. But it is much better if they coordinate directly with their LGU or the DA field office in Cagayan.

Lacson reminded TODA members and farmers’ group leaders that such measures are not a one-time approach on the part of the government because, under the law, once oil prices kept hitting over $80 per barrel in the international market for three consecutive months, fuel subsidies are automatic.

There are roughly 1,300 tricycle drivers in Sanchez Mira alone. According to national media reports, the government is preparing to release the fuel subsidies of over 377,000 PUV drivers—mostly jeepney drivers—in the next two weeks.

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