Unioil

May 3, 2011

TRANSPORT GROUPS in Metro Manila yesterday started receiving debit
cards under the government’s fuel assistance program to mitigate the
impact of rising pump prices, with nationwide distribution expected to
be completed in the next two months, an official said.
"The first [3,000] cards were distributed to transport groups that
submitted their list of drivers and franchise holders to the LTFRB
(Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) which were
validated by the agency," Energy Undersecretary Jose M. Layug, Jr.
said in a telephone interview.
Card distribution in Metro Manila, he added, may be completed by the
end of the month.
Jeepney drivers have received so-called smart cards that were debited
with P1,050 for one month, while tricycle drivers will receive P150 in
cash from local government units.
The P450-million Public Transport Assistance Program was provided for
under Executive Order 32 signed by President Benigno S. C. Aquino on
April 1.
Distribution will resume tomorrow, said the Energy department, to give
time "to evaluate the first day of distribution."
Mr. Layug said cards will be distributed in the provinces in June.
"Distribution for the regions was not concurrent with the capital
[region] because the machine used to emboss the cards with the plate
number and other information can only handle a certain number of
cards. It’s safe to say, however, that we can complete distribution of
the cards in 60 days," he added.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB expects distribution challenges as drivers,
rather than groups, are expected to claim their cards.
"It will be a different matter on Wednesday because the volume of
people claiming cards could be a problem unlike the initial rollout
which was to heads of transport groups," LTFRB Chairman Nelson P.
Laluces said in a separate interview.
Funding for the program will come from royalties of the Malampaya
natural gas project.
In the implementing rules, P300 million will be set aside as
assistance for jeepney drivers and P150 million for tricycle drivers.
The cards are valid for five years and can be used in any fuel pumping
station. -- E. N. J. David, Business Mirror