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The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) said last October 25, Monday, that P1 billion will be distributed to an estimated 178,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, in cash. However, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Martin Delgra notes only “qualified” drivers will receive fuel subsidies. 

He cites Section 82 of the TRAIN law which states that only public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers are the primary beneficiaries of the subsidies. However, Delgra adds that while LTFRB aims to distribute funds as soon as possible, a specific date is not yet finalized as the agency is still working on logistics and the ongoing validation of beneficiaries. 

Additionally, the Energy Department is seeking alternatives to lessen the oil hike blow by looking into possible adjustments in excise taxes. Sectoral groups have previously called on the lowering of oil prices, asserting the need for incumbent officials and candidates to support their calls for the removal of TRAIN law-imposed excise tax on oil. 

Department secretary Alfonso Cusi stated that he is in talks with private oil companies and discussing the possibility of securing discounts for PUVs. 

Meanwhile, Cusi is also under fire after Chevron’s stake in the Malampaya project was sold to  Udenna Corporation owner and Duterte ally Dennis Uy. Attorney Rodel Rodis raised the sale as worth P138-billion pesos, regarding this as “the most incredible crony agreement in the entire history.” 

The Malampaya project previously involved 45% worth of Shell’s shares which was purchased by Uy’s Udenna, now amounting his entire share to 90%. Malampaya accounts for 40% of Luzon’s energy resources.

Rodis added that Udenna Corporation did not have any papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prior to its purchase of shares. 

“The question really is: If he was not a close friend and crony of President Duterte, would he have received the benefits of this incredibly one-sided contract he entered into with the support of the Philippine government?” Rodis asserted. 

In response to the oil price hike, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) clamored for President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an executive order to control the rising prices of oil. The labor group noted the effects of the price hike on the livelihoods of low income families who are struggling with the large costs of gas, ultimately decreasing their purchasing power.

“Hinayaan ni Duterte itong tuloy-tuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at produktong petrolyo. Pero sagad na kami, ubos na kami. Wala na kaming sahod, nawawalan kami ng kabuhayan. Dapat i-rollback ang presyo ng langis,” KMU secretary general Jerome Adonis stated.

Featured image courtesy of Rappler