DOE urges drivers to get fuel smart cards by 'proxy'

As the distribution of the fuel smart cards slowed down, the Department of Energy (DOE) encouraged drivers to claim their cards by "proxy." DOE Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr. said very few drivers went to Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Wednesday to claim their cards which entitles them to P1,050 worth of fuel. “Kahapon medyo matumal ang driver taga-Alabang at point of origin na letter A. Hinihikayat namin sila pumunta sa Crame," Layug said in an interview on dzBB radio on Thursday. Layug said drivers who do not have time to get their smart cards can ask a proxy or representative to bring the proper documents to Camp Crame. The required documents are the drivers’ ID, and a confirmation certificate from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. The DOE and transportation officials started distributing the fuel smart cards to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers on Monday to help them cope with rising prices of fuel. Transport groups helped the drivers in claiming their fuel cards on Monday. The DOE took a break Tuesday to assess the distribution process and resumed the distribution Wednesday. On Thursday, the DOE distributed cards to drivers plying routes that start with “B," such as Baclaran, Bacood, and Balintawak. Layug said the distribution will go on until May 31. - VVP, GMA News