CEBU CITY, Philippines — More than 19,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) units in Central Visayas have already received government fuel subsidy assistance, putting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 7 (LTFRB-7) beyond 80% of its target, as transport operators continue to grapple with elevated fuel and operating costs.
LTFRB-7 Regional Director Abosamen H. Matuan said the agency has also begun accelerating the release of assistance to individual driver-beneficiaries, although distribution to drivers has reached just more than 30% so far.
The latest figures were reported as the government continues implementing measures intended to cushion the transport sector from volatile fuel prices.
More than 19,000 PUV units already covered
According to LTFRB-7, the subsidy distribution covers PUV units across Central Visayas and forms part of the Department of Transportation’s Fuel Subsidy Program.
Matuan said the agency is looking for ways to speed up the release of funds, including a proposal to channel the money through regional offices so distribution can be handled more directly and avoid delays.
The assistance varies depending on the type of public transport.
Under the program:
- Traditional jeepney operators: ₱5,000 per unit
- Traditional jeepney drivers: ₱1,500 each
- Modern UV Express operators: ₱10,000 per unit
- Modern UV Express drivers: ₱5,000 each
Qualified drivers may also receive a separate ₱5,000 cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), released through cash and digital payment platforms.
Cebu transport cooperatives welcome the assistance
The assistance has provided some relief to transport cooperatives facing rising operating expenses.
Ellen Maghanoy, president of the Cebu Federation of Transport Cooperatives, said nearly all members of the federation’s 13 cooperatives had already received their subsidy.
She described the assistance as a significant help in managing their day-to-day operating costs.
However, the government aid comes amid continuing concerns over fuel prices and the sustainability of transport operations.
P12-per-liter fuel discount is a separate benefit
The cash subsidy should not be confused with the government’s separate fuel discount program.
Diesel-powered public utility jeepneys and UV Express units that meet the eligibility requirements can avail themselves of a ₱12-per-liter fuel discount, which was increased from ₱10 effective August 15, 2026.
The discount is capped at 150 liters per vehicle per week, potentially translating to savings of as much as ₱1,800 per week for qualified beneficiaries.
Eligible vehicles must have a valid Certificate of Public Convenience, Provisional Authority, or Special Permit and must appear on the LTFRB whitelist. The discount is accessed through participating fuel stations using the LandBank mobile application.
Fuel assistance continues nationwide
The Central Visayas rollout is part of a much larger national fuel-support program.
The Department of Energy reported on September 7 that 101,124 public utility vehicles nationwide had benefited from the fuel discount program. Total fuel subsidy availed had reached approximately ₱663.56 million, with weekly releases averaging around ₱60 million.
The government had previously increased the discount from ₱10 to ₱12 per liter as fuel prices were being affected by geopolitical tensions and instability in global oil markets.
The DOE said the program would continue in September, subject to monthly assessments.
Why the subsidy matters to commuters
For drivers and operators, fuel is one of the biggest recurring expenses. Higher diesel prices can squeeze already-thin operating margins, potentially affecting the amount drivers take home after paying for fuel, maintenance and other daily costs.
The government’s fuel assistance is therefore intended to help keep public transport operating while limiting the impact of fuel-price volatility on the transport sector.
At the same time, continued fuel assistance could also help prevent sudden additional pressure on commuting costs while authorities assess whether further measures are needed.
Cebu cooperatives seek additional fuel support
Transport cooperatives in Cebu are also pushing for a more direct mechanism for fuel discounts.
According to PIA, several cooperatives operate their own fuel-storage facilities and have asked the government to consider extending the discount directly to cooperatives or their fuel suppliers.
The request could become increasingly important if fuel-price volatility persists, particularly for cooperatives operating large fleets.
For now, LTFRB-7’s distribution milestone means more than 19,000 PUV units in Central Visayas have already been reached, but the agency still faces the task of getting assistance to more individual drivers and ensuring that qualified beneficiaries do not get left behind.
Leave a Reply