Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will distribute financial assistance to Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers on Tuesday, March 24, amid rising fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced the payout in a social media post on Monday, saying distribution will begin at 7 a.m. at designated locations.
TNVS drivers may check if their names are included in the beneficiary list through a link provided by the LTFRB.
The list is based on data submitted by transport network companies, including Grab, Utol, Toktok, Pure Ride, Maxim, Joyride, InDrive, Hirna, Go Cab, Angcars, Unlala, Hail, PeekUp, and Para Express.
Beneficiaries are required to bring the original and a photocopy of their professional driver’s license.
The LTFRB clarified that the list does not include motorcycle taxi and delivery riders.
The financial assistance forms part of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, implemented in coordination with the LTFRB.
Earlier, the DSWD reported that at least 90,000 tricycle drivers in Metro Manila received cash assistance last week. The agency said it would hold a special payout for those who were unable to claim their aid.
The DSWD also said more than 200,000 public utility vehicle drivers in the National Capital Region are scheduled to receive assistance this week, broken down as follows:
- TNVS drivers — Tuesday, March 24 (around 27,635 beneficiaries)
- Jeepney drivers — Wednesday, March 25 (more than 21,700 beneficiaries)
- Delivery service drivers — Thursday and Friday, March 26–27 (around 137,700 beneficiaries)
The assistance comes as motorists brace for another round of fuel price hikes, marking the 11th consecutive increase for gasoline and the 13th for both diesel and kerosene.
In an advisory, Jetti Petroleum said it will raise gasoline prices by P8.00 per liter and diesel prices by P18.00 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 24. Other oil firms have yet to announce their adjustments.
An industry source earlier projected increases of P7.50 to P8.50 per liter for gasoline and P16.50 to P17.50 per liter for diesel, citing continued volatility due to the Middle East conflict.
Malacañang earlier downplayed concerns of an oil crisis, saying fuel supply remains adequate but acknowledging a prevailing “price disruption.”
The Department of Energy has also assured the public that the country has sufficient fuel reserves, with current stocks and incoming shipments expected to last up to 50 days.—MCG, GMA Integrated News
