ONE could be wrong if he thinks drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) are pitiful. They are actually lucky considering the benefits they’re getting lately.

Despite the continued price rollbacks on oil products in recent weeks, public utility vehicle ((PUV) drivers still received fuel assistance from the government of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.

The Land Bank of the Philippines said it has disbursed a total of P1.1 billion in fuel subsidy to 190,130 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers as of Nov. 9.

The beneficiaries include those driving public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and buses, taxis, and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS).

LandBank is one with the national government in extending timely and responsive assistance to the local transport sector.

The Fuel Subsidy Program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) listed 1.36 million target beneficiaries to receive government assistance, with a total allocation of PHP3 billion, to help them cope with rising oil prices.

Under the program, modernized PUJ and UV Express drivers are entitled to receive PHP10,000 each, and PHP6,500 each for drivers of traditional PUV and TNVS.

LTFRB is continuing to submit lists of qualified beneficiaries to LandBank, while the Bank is facilitating the crediting of fuel subsidies through the beneficiaries’ existing accounts in Landbank and other banks.

Hefty rollback in fuel prices especially for diesel and kerosene products were implemented this week.

Reports said diesel products had a significant reduction of P3.00 to P3.40 per liter; while kerosene prices were trimmed by P2.00 to P2.40 per liter.

Price cuts for gasoline products were leaner at P0.60 to P1.00 per liter because the demand for this commodity had been significantly higher in the region last week.

**

For comments, please call or text 09569012811 or email [email protected]