Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II has conducted surprise visits in some gasoline stations in Metro Manila as the nationwide PHP12 per liter fuel discount for jeepney and UV Express took effect today.
Chairman Vigor said the gas station visit was aimed at checking if there are challenges in the implementation of the program on the ground and to correct any hassle that may be encountered both by the participating gas stations and beneficiaries from the public transportation sector.
“We are also checking the first day of the implementation of this program across the country through our RFROs (Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office). The goal is to ensure that the fuel discount is properly implemented and to identify and immediately correct any challenges that may arise,” said Chairman Vigor.
So far, Chairman Vigor said they have not encountered serious challenges on the part of the participating gas stations, but said daily monitoring will be conducted to ensure the smooth implementation in line with the instruction of DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez.
The fuel discount program was not only extended but was also increased from PHP10 per liter to PHP12 per liter as part of the commitment of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to go all out in supporting the public transport sector.
In Metro Manila, he said, eight of the 10 gas stations are already implementing the increased PHP12 per liter discount.
Chairman Vigor said jeepney drivers also informed him that they also get additional discounts in some gasoline stations through loyal customer promotion. This is on top of the government’s fuel subsidy program.
According to Chairman Vigor, the maximum discount per liter in the loyal customer program is as high as PHP5 per liter—which means that jeepney and UV Express operators could get as high as PHP17 per liter discount.
Currently, price range of gas stations that were visited is between PHP81 to PHP89 per liter and with the discount and the loyal customer promo, he said the discount will drop to PHP64 to PHP72 per liter.
Over 143,000 jeepney and UV Express units were already listed in the fuel discount program in over 5,000 gas stations across the country.
Based on the guideline, jeepney and UV Express operators could avail of a maximum of 150 liters discounted petroleum products every week, or a savings of around P1,800 every week.
All the drivers would do is to give the license plate before gassing up and the discount is automatically deducted.
The LandBank of the Philippines assisted the DOTr and the LTFRB in coming up with an online platform for the fuel discount in coordination with the Department of Energy.
Chairman Vigor said he already instructed all RFROs to continuously monitor and submit reports of the status of the fuel discount program in their areas of responsibility.
“The instruction is for all of us in the LTFRB to be responsive in immediately addressing whatever concerns that may come in the implementation,” said Chairman Vigor.
On the part of the LTFRB, he said they will ensure that all the documentary requirements will be prepared promptly for the immediate payment to the participating gas stations across the country.
“We are now preparing the credit memos so we can pay gas stations without delay,” said Chairman Vigor. #
