The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in partnership with GCash, have rolled out a digital fuel subsidy program aimed at faster and more efficient delivery of financial assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide.
Under the initiative, eligible drivers receive fuel subsidies directly through their GCash e-wallets, removing the need for physical claiming centers and long queues.
Officials said the system is designed to streamline government aid distribution by reducing travel time, processing delays, and manual payout procedures.
The program comes amid rising global fuel prices influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have placed added financial pressure on transport workers who rely on daily earnings for their livelihood.
GCash B2B Sales Head Cleo Celeste Santos said the collaboration highlights the role of digital finance in improving public service delivery.
“GCash is committed to working with the government to ensure that digital financial infrastructure advances equitable access to essential services and upholds the dignity of every Filipino,” Santos said.
“In partnership with the LTFRB, this initiative demonstrates how digital subsidy disbursement can remove structural barriers, such as long queues and manual processes, while strengthening transparency and accountability in delivering government support to Filipinos,” he added.
The LTFRB said it verified all qualified beneficiaries before releasing the fuel subsidy through their registered GCash accounts.
To check eligibility, drivers are advised to confirm their status through LTFRB’s official channels, including its hotline via Viber at 0956-761-0739 or its regional offices.
Once confirmed, beneficiaries may choose their preferred payout option, with GCash users receiving direct transfers to verified accounts.
Drivers without verified GCash accounts are required to complete identity verification through the app using valid government-issued IDs such as a driver’s license, PhilSys ID, UMID, SSS ID, PRC ID, or passport.
GCash reminded users that it will never send links or request OTPs for subsidy claims, warning the public to remain vigilant against scams.
Officials said the partnership lays the groundwork for a broader digital disbursement system that will support future government subsidy programs with automated tracking, audit reporting, and improved transparency.
Photo courtesy of Global News
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