Where’s the P5T cash aid?

Several taxi and jeepney drivers are complaining that they did not receive the Pantawid cash assistance in the amount of P5,000, which was coursed through their respective operators.

The government, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), released the Pantawid cash assistance to drivers to defray the cost of rising fuel prices.

The high cost of fuel was blamed on the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion Law, which raised the excise tax.

The cash assistance was re- leased to the drivers, through their respective operators, with the recommendation of LTFRB.

“That is most of the complaints we’ve got. However, we don’t have the control over the operators’ system with their drivers. It’s a personal relationship among them,” said LTFRB 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr.

When asked if the drivers can personally claim the cash assistance with the endorsement of their operators, Montealto said that is not yet allowed.

A leader of a driver’s group, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, suggested that the LTFRB should require operators to submit a liquidation report with the names of the drivers who have received the cash.

On the other hand, Montealto urged the public to file a complaint against taxi drivers and operators who do not provide Wi-Fi or internet service, to their passengers.

Montealto said that under the law, no taxi fare meters can be recalibrated without the requirements, such as Wi-Fi, Global Positioning System, speed limiter, and dashboard camera.