Some 5,000 beneficiaries from various tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODAs) here are set to receive a one-time fuel assistance of PHP1,000 each under City Ordinance 1003 or the ‘Fuel Subsidy Program Ordinance.’ Data on Friday showed that this week, aid has already been turned over to two TODAs, while three more will soon receive the assistance. Of the 76 TODAs in this city, 45 have so far applied to get the subsidy while the city government is processing the release for 38 others that have also complied with all the requirements. Qualified recipients are tricycle-for-hires with existing valid franchises issued by the city government, based on the official list of the Business Permits and Licensing Office. Councilor Em Ang, who authored the ordinance passed in August last year, earlier said the city government needs to provide assistance to tricycle-for-hires affected by the high cost of fuel without a fare increase to help cushion its impact. ‘The provided fuel subsidy to TODA members is a meas
ure of relief from the unprecedented increase in gasoline prices in the country,’ she added. Ang said while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has been giving a fuel subsidy to jeepney drivers, such is not the case for tricycle drivers who are also utilizing fuel in their livelihood.
Source: Philippines News Agency