The scheme aims to compensate PUV drivers and operators based on kilometers driven that seeks to ensure the delivery of transport services for commuters amid the energy crisis.
On Tuesday, yhe Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) shared that the April 15 initial rollout of the government’s Service Contracting Program (SCP) will be supported by an online system that has been designed to streamline key processes.
Overall, these will make assistance more accessible to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators.
LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza said PUV drivers, and operators may access the LTFRB portal where the SCP will be available.
By selecting the program, applicants will be directed to a one-page registration form that requires essential information, such as their name, case number, and the type of vehicle they use.
“Ita-type nila, isusulat nila ‘yung plate number ng mga sasakyan na gusto nilang isali sa program. Tapos kung gusto nilang makita ‘yung mga ruta, mayroon doong referral click, click that. Lahat ng ruta naka-arrange na ‘yun. Lalabas. Titingnan nila kung kasama sila sa ruta. Tapos pupunuin lang ‘yung form na ‘yun,” Mendoza explained the process.
Then, before submission, there is also a section of Terms and Conditions of the SCP that will appear in which participants must read and approve with their consent.
These include operating daily with a minimum of 100 kilometers, providing passengers with a 20 percent fare discount, and displaying official signage on their vehicles—clearly indicating they are part of the program.
“Tapos pagkatapos nun eh i-upload lang nila, i-click lang nila, upload na ‘yan, mayroon tayong mga evaluators, titingnan ‘yung mga sasakyan na ‘yan ay duly authorized ng LTFRB that on the same day, maglalabas ng confirmation note doon, magkakaroon ng QR code para sa kanila tapos magkakaroon ng sample na template ‘yung signage kailangan nilang ilagay sa kanilang sasakyan,” Mendoza further noted.
Meanwhile, LTFRB continues to organize the routes and conduct testing of GPS integration to support the program’s implementation.
Mendoza also noted that what makes the enhanced SCP different is how the “LTFRB (is) now more proactive,” as they can access data directly from GPS providers, compared to before, when GPS providers only submitted reports.
The GPS tracker will be installed in every participating PUV unit.
“There are two reasons behind this, number one, para mas mabilis ‘yung processing time namin. Hindi namin hihintayin ‘yung report ng GPS provider, instead, we will check data GPS provider at marami tayong taong nakatalaga para diyan. Tapos pangalawa, to avoid also collusion between the GPS provider at saka ‘yung operator,” Mendoza said.
Under the SCP, approximately 1,000 transport operators, 50,000 PUV units such as traditional and modernized jeepney, UV Express, city buses and EDSA carousel buses, and 15 million commuters are expected to benefit.
The SCP will also be implemented across 823 PUV routes.
DOE BEGINS OFFERING P10 / L FUEL DISCOUNT FOR PUVs.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) has officially started on Tuesday the P10 per liter diesel discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs) as part of the government fuel subsidy program aimed at easing the impact of rising oil prices.
Secretary Sharon Garin said the program is being implemented as a pilot in the National Capital Region (NCR), targeting 52 accredited gas stations, with 33 gas stations have already been enrolled as of Tuesday, while the registration of the others are currently being processed.
“There’s a P10 discount for every jeepney starting today for diesel consumption. Gas stations will be participating, as a pilot or Phase 1 because this is a new program,” Garin said, adding that the process to acknowledge the remaining 20 already being worked on by the Landbank.
Under the program, qualified PUV operators may avail of a PHP10 discount per liter of diesel, with a maximum of 150 liters per week, equivalent to a PHP1,500 weekly subsidy. The subsidy resets weekly, and any unused amount will not carry over.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the DOTr is working with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which will provide the list of qualified beneficiaries and submit the official “whitelist” to the Land Bank of the Philippines for validation.
“Kapag hindi natin naubos ‘yung 1,500 pesos, ‘yan ba ay magki-carry over sa susunod na linggo? Hindi. So, kailangan na maubos that week ‘yung five days na sinasabi natin, ‘yung PhP1,500 or 150 liters na kada linggo,” he further explained.
The first phase the rollout will cover selected routes in NCR, including , Commonwealth, Quezon Avenue–España Boulevard, Zapote Road (Las Piñas), A. Bonifacio Avenue (Cloverleaf–Blumentritt), Rizal Avenue (Monumento–Carriedo), and Marcos Highway.
STEPS ON HOW THAT GET THE DISCOUNT
Here now are the steps on how to get the P10 per liter discount.
- 1. Refuel diesel at participating gas stations listed by the DOE.
- 2. Inform the fuel attendant that you are availing of the fuel subsidy.
- 3. Provide the registered PUV plate number for system encoding.
- 4. The P10 per liter discount will be automatically deducted from the total bill.
According to Secretary Lopez, the program is expected to benefit over 171,000 PUV units nationwide once fully rolled out, with an estimated 33,000 units to operate daily
“The program aims to reduce operational costs for drivers, increase income for operators and drivers, and ensure continuous and reliable transport service for commuters,” noted the government.
The pilot implementation is expected to run for three months, during which the government will closely monitor its impact before a possible nationwide expansion.
DIALOG INSTEAD OF STRIKE
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Malacañan Palace called for a dialog instead of a transport strike slated, which is supposed to happen from April 15 to 17.
This, as they emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has no power to suspend or reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel.
“Wala pong kapangyarihan ang Pangulo na mag-suspend ng VAT dahil walang batas sa ngayon na siya ay binibigyan ng kapangyarihan,”Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing.
“So baka nagkakaroon ng misconception, at ngayon ay baka nakakarating sa mga transport sectors, sa mga drivers, sa operators na sa isang click ay masu-suspend ng Pangulo ang VAT,” she added.
On the same day, the President said he is lifting the fuel excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, which are also being used for cooking, with him noting that the move helps to bring down the cost of food amid the national energy emergency.
