Pantawid Pasada card distribution ends today

The distribution of the first batch of Pantawid Pasada cards to public utility jeepney operators in Central Visayas will end today.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto said as of the Wednesday, only 1,379 cards were released out of the 5,354 cards.

"I hope kuhaon na ni sa mga operators ang cards kay ugma na baya ang deadline ani. Otherwise, dili na sila ma-priority inig abot sa second batch," said Montealto yesterday.

Montealto said that the second batch of Pantawid Pasada cards will be around 7,000 but this time it will be intended for Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.

Each card contains P5,000 as fuel subsidy for the jeepney drivers.

He said that this program of the government aims to mitigate the impact of the series of oil price increases and higher excise taxes due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

The government has allocated a budget of P977 million for this year's implementation of the program.

Only legitimate franchise holders of PUJs can avail of this program wherein it will be the PUJ operators who shall give the Pasada cards to their respective drivers. —

Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MBG