Lifting of transport sector cash aid suspension sought
SENATOR Grace Poe yesterday lamented the suspension of cash aid distribution to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators as they continue to wade through high prices of fuel and commodities.
Since the release of the P3-billion fund, Poe stressed that not even half of the identified 377,000 beneficiaries received the assistance, which was handed out only for 10 days before the election ban took effect on March 25.
“We call on the Commission on Elections to expedite its decision on the appeal by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for exemption to allow it to continue the distribution,” Poe said.
The senator added that PUV drivers and operators have waited long for the cash aid.
She reminded the government that the aid was funded in the annual budget to bring succor to our people in times of distress.
“We cannot tell our people to hold on for relief until the elections are over. Hunger simply cannot wait,” she stressed.
