Three oil firms to give discounts to PUVs to mitigate new tax impact

THE ENERGY department signed on Thursday, March 1, a memorandum of agreement with three oil companies to provide fuel discounts to public utility vehicles (PUVs). “These corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of the oil companies are aimed to mitigate the impact of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law’s impact on transportation fares,” said Department of Energy (DoE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi. The companies are Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. The agreement will expand the oil companies’ existing discount programs for public utility jeepneys, including an increase in the number of participating retail stations, higher discounts, and coverage of other PUVs. The highlights of the agreements between the DoE, Petron, Shell and Phoenix are:

• At least P1.00 per liter discount on liquid fuels to PUVs, which

may include jeepneys and taxis; • Oil companies to provide a designated lane for PUVs; and • Additional privileges and other promotional offers for PUV drivers.

“With these fuel discount and other CSR programs, we are hopeful that operators of jeepneys and buses will also help lessen the impact of TRAIN to consumers by not increasing the transport fares,” Mr. Cusi said. — Victor V. Saulon NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION