Government strengthens PUV fuel subsidy program to shield jeepney and bus drivers from rising oil prices

In a unified effort to cushion the transport sector from the volatility of global oil prices, the Department of Energy (DOE) has fortified its partnership with key government agencies to roll out an enhanced, streamlined Fuel Subsidy Program for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers nationwide.

Through a “whole-of-government” approach, the DOE, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Land Bank of the Philippines have integrated their systems to ensure the rapid and secure distribution of financial relief directly to those on the road.

Under the revamped program, qualified PUV drivers are entitled to a significant ₱10 discount per liter of diesel. With a generous allocation limit of up to 150 liters per week, beneficiaries stand to save an estimated ₱1,500 weekly.

This targeted intervention directly addresses the soaring operating costs that heavily impact the daily take-home pay of public utility jeepney (PUJ), bus, and tricycle drivers.

To eliminate the bureaucratic red tape and long queues that plagued past subsidy iterations, the inter-agency task force has leveraged cutting-edge digital infrastructure:

• Data Validation (DICT & LTFRB): The DICT has streamlined the verification process, cross-referencing LTFRB’s franchise database to swiftly identify legitimate and active beneficiaries.

• Direct Disbursement (LandBank): Financial assistance is credited directly to the drivers’ existing LandBank automated teller machine (ATM) card accounts or specialized fuel e-wallets.

• Pump-Side Integration (DOE): The DOE has partnered with participating private oil companies and retail gas stations nationwide to honor the subsidy cards seamlessly at the pump.

Program Breakdown at a Glance