Article by:
Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The government cannot tell Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators to wait after elections before they get their cash aid from the government, Senator Grace Poe said on Monday.
"Hunger simply cannot wait," she said in a statement.
Poe was referring to the cash subsidy distribution being implemented by the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for 377,000 PUV drivers and operators affected by the succeeding oil price hikes.
She said not even half of the identified beneficiaries received the assistance which was handed out only 10 days before the election ban took effect on March 25 prompting LTFRB to stop the distribution.
Pursuant to Section 2 of Comelec Resolution No. 10747, no public official or employee, including barangay officials, and those of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and their subsidiaries, shall release, disburse, or expend any public funds from May 25, 2022 until May 8, 2022.
Poe called on the Comelec to expedite its decision on the appeal by the LTFRB for an exemption to allow it to continue the distribution.
"Our PUV drivers and operators have waited long for the cash aid that we have funded in the annual budget to bring succor to our people in times of distress," she said.
The Department of Budget and Management released the PHP2.5 billion last month to the Department of Transportation, the mother agency of LTFRB, for the distribution of PHP6,500 cash subsidy to qualified PUV drivers of jeepneys, minibusses, UV express, taxis, motorcycle taxis, tricycles, and delivery services nationwide. (PNA)
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