Operators of modern public utility vehicles in Central Visayas may receive up to P20,000 in monthly assistance for as long as three months under a national government program aimed at easing their operating costs.
The assistance is separate from the existing P12-per-liter fuel discount, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB 7).
LTFRB 7 Regional Director Abosamen H. Matuan said many operators under the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP) continue to pay monthly bank amortizations for their units while facing lower earnings.
The assistance covers modern jeepneys and UV Express units nationwide, as well as modern buses operating in Metro Manila.
Registered and accredited transport service entities may apply if they have arrears or outstanding loan obligations, or are at risk of default.
Operators who have already fully paid for their vehicles may also use the assistance for operating expenses, including fuel, maintenance, spare parts, garage and terminal rentals, and utilities.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the program following a recommendation from Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
The LTFRB released the first batch of assistance in September, distributing 16 checks totaling P9.08 million to 16 transport service entities nationwide.
Matuan said the government opted to assist transport operators rather than have them pass rising fuel costs on to commuters through higher fares.
“Since March, the government has tried to absorb the impact of the crisis in the Middle East. Instead of giving the burden to our commuting public, ang ginawa ng government natin is nabigay nga ayuda to our transport groups (what our government has done is provide assistance to our transport groups),” Matuan said.
He said other measures include fuel subsidies and the service contracting program, in addition to the P12-per-liter fuel discount.
The LTFRB is also proposing to increase the fuel discount to P20 per liter from the current P12.
The proposal will be submitted to the Department of Transportation, which will endorse it to Malacañang.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB central office is coordinating with the Department of Transportation on a proposed fare increase that Matuan said is expected to be submitted by October.
Matuan said the amount of the proposed increase has not yet been determined.
“We cannot speculate how much yet because it is still under calculation by the central office. But definitely what we are looking for is hindi madehado ang ating transport groups (that our transport groups will not be at a disadvantage),” he said.
LTFRB 7 is also monitoring compliance with the service contracting program, with personnel deployed during morning and afternoon operations to check whether drivers and operators pass the discount on to passengers.
The service contracting program, formalized in 2023, covers qualified consolidated transport service entities operating at least 10 traditional or modern jeepneys, Filcabs or UV Express units. Beneficiaries must have a valid certificate of public convenience or provisional authority, be registered with the Land Transportation Office and carry passenger accident insurance.
Matuan said LTFRB 7 is coordinating with the Department of Energy and Department of Social Welfare and Development on government programs addressing fuel prices.
“The commuting public has the assurance that our government is working to find solutions, possible solutions in addressing this crisis that we are confronting,” Matuan said.
LTFRB 7 is processing applications for the monthly assistance. Operators in Central Visayas may inquire directly with the regional office for application requirements and procedures.
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