3000 jeepney drivers receive first fuel subsidy cards

The government began distributing so-called "smart cards" Monday to jeepney drivers, enabling them to avail of fuel subsidies in the face of rocketing prices of petroleum products. Department of Energy Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr. said an initial batch of 3,000 smart cards will be given out on the first day of distribution on Monday. Each smart card is good for five years and provides a load of P1,050 fuel subsidy to help transport groups cope with high fuel prices. Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras has said the smart cards will eventually be issued to 268,245 public utility jeepney (PUJ) franchise holders nationwide. “This is a card that they can use for fuel; they can use it one time, it’s up to them," he said. Layug said five transport groups such as Pasang Masda and Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) have submitted their lists of beneficiaries. Their members may already claim their smart cards starting on Monday. On the other hand, the members of the militant transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) will not yet receive their smart cards because the group has not yet submitted its list of beneficiaries. "Lahat sila nagsumite except PISTON. Hindi sila nagbigay, sinabihan namin lahat magbigay kayo para mauna kayo. Walang sinumite ang PISTON," Layug said. Layug said the various government groups such as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, Land Transportation Office (LTO) at Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have made preparations for the distribution of the smart cards. "Handang handa na kami. Nag-practice kami noong Biyernes kasama ang MMDA, AFP, PNP, LTO at LTFRB. Maayos naman ang aming practice." Layug said. He said the distribution of the smart cards will be done at the Crame Grandstand. He reminded transport operators to bring their OR/CR, franchise documents, and valid ID cards in claiming the smart cards. Layug said there will be no distribution of smart cards on Tuesday to give them time to iron out whatever problems may arise. "Pagkatapos ngayong Lunes, tigil kami bukas, tingnan ang dapat mas ayusin. Simula Miyerkules tuloy-tuloy yan hanggang May 31," he said. "Isa lang, sa Crame grandstand tayo. Umikot ang kapulisan at MMDA, mahirap kung tatlong lugar. Isa na lang para maayos at bantayan nang maigi," Layug said in an interview on dzBB radio, before the distribution started at 9 a.m. On the issue of giving similar smart cards to tricyle drivers, Layug said the decision is up to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) because local governments regulate the operations of tricycles. On giving fuel subsidies for farmers and fishermen, Layug said the proposal is still being discussed. "Pinaguusapan namin kung paano isasama ang magsasaka at mangingisda," he said. - VVP/HS, GMA News