LTFRB Considers Digital Payments for PUV Fuel Subsidy

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is studying the use of digital platforms to distribute fuel subsidies to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers as authorities prepare assistance for the sector amid rising oil prices.

LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza said the agency is evaluating the possible involvement of electronic money issuers to serve as payment channels for the subsidy. The proposal aims to simplify the process of releasing aid and avoid the long queues often seen during manual payouts.

Under the plan, qualified drivers would receive the ₱5,000 fuel subsidy through digital payment systems once the participating platforms pass the agency’s verification process.

Screening Digital Payment Partners

To move the initiative forward, the LTFRB has reached out to electronic money issuers accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. These providers have been asked to submit documents showing their legitimacy and technical capacity to handle the transactions.

The agency said the evaluation will determine which payment platforms can safely and efficiently manage the distribution of government assistance.

Aid for Transport Sector

The fuel subsidy program forms part of government efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on drivers and commuters.

Rex Gatchalian earlier announced that cash assistance for PUV drivers will begin rolling out on March 17, initially benefiting tricycle drivers in Metro Manila.

The subsidy will be funded through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which provides emergency financial aid to individuals affected by economic or social disruptions.

Officials said the shift to digital payments could speed up the distribution of aid while making the process more convenient for drivers.