The Manila Times
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced the release of P10 million in fuel subsidies to taxi drivers on the first day of a two-day payout. In a statement, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said approximately 2,000 taxi drivers received P5,000 each after claiming their subsidy at designated distribution points, including the central offices of the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The subsidy forms part of the national government’s broader assistance program for the public transport sector, with nearly P98 million initially allocated for taxi drivers nationwide. With the additional P10 million disbursed on Friday, total funds released for the sector have exceeded P108 million so far, the agency said. Mendoza, however, cautioned drivers against attempting to claim the subsidy more than once after 10 individuals were flagged for alleged double claims during the first day of distribution. ”We are sending this warning that once any taxi driver is caught, we will request the LTO to revoke his driver’s license,” Mendoza said. Despite the incident, the LTFRB maintained that the overall distribution process remained orderly and efficient. The LTFRB said it has intensified monitoring measures to allow for real-time intervention in case of issues during the payout. Mendoza also assured that the agency would continue the distribution process until all intended beneficiaries have received their assistance, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The fuel subsidy program aims to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on public utility drivers and operators resulting from the war in the Middle East.
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