MANILA -- Malacañang on Friday, March 11, announced the release of fuel subsidy to the Department of Transportation intended for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers amid the soaring prices of fuel.

“Masaya namin binabalita na na-i-release na ng Department of Budget and Management ang 2.5-billion pesos na first tranche ng fuel subsidy para sa ating public utility vehicle drivers,” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Acting Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Michel Kristian Ablan in a news briefing adding that another 500-million pesos has been released to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Usec. Ablan also said that a second tranche will be released in April 2022.

According to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary and DBM Spokesperson Rolando Toledo, there are 377,443 beneficiaries of the DOTr’s Fuel Subsidy Program, who will be given P6,500.00.

Beneficiaries not only include affected jeepney drivers but also drivers of UV Express, mini buses, bus shuttle services, taxis, tricycles, transport network vehicle service (TNVS), motorcycle taxis, and delivery services.

Beneficiaries may claim their financial assistance through cash cards from the Land Bank of the Philippines.

On DA’s fuel discount program, the budget official stressed that this is to assist farmers and fisherfolk who will avail of the 30% discount from oil companies by the agriculture department.

“Ang maximum amount po ng discount na pwedeng makuha ng benepisyaryo ay P3,000. So ang cash po para dito ay magmumula sa Development Bank of the Philippines,” said Usec. Toledo. (OPS)