Over 10,000 Cebu City drivers to receive fuel subsidy this May
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — More than 10,000 drivers in Cebu City may receive fuel subsidies from the local government starting the third week of May, Mayor Nestor Archival said.
The assistance follows the Cebu City Council’s approval of Supplemental Budget No. 1 on April 28, which has allocated P35 million for the program amid rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict.
READ: Cebu City Council OKs P800.5M supplemental budget, clears drivers’ subsidy
The subsidy aims to ease financial pressure on public transport and service drivers affected by increasing fuel prices, while ensuring continued mobility services across the city.
Distribution scheme
Archival said the council proposed a non-cash distribution system, such as fuel cards, to guarantee that the assistance would be spent solely on fuel.
“Once it is verified, we are eyeing to distribute fleet cards to the barangays,” Archival said during a press conference on Monday, May 4.
READ: Cebu City’s fuel subsidy only for resident drivers
He added that the city government had yet to finalize the exact amount each driver will receive.
Expected beneficiaries include drivers of jeepneys, taxis, delivery vehicles, and other transport services operating within Cebu City.
READ: LTFRB speeds up fuel subsidy rollout for transport sector
Verification process
Earlier, the mayor said the city had already prepared an initial list of potential beneficiaries, subject for further verification.
This list was developed with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, and Commission on Elections to confirm that drivers are Cebu City residents.
Meanwhile, Archival has tasked barangay officials to verify habal-habal and tricycle drivers within their areas to prevent the inclusion of so-called “ghost” beneficiaries.
READ: Fuel subsidy: Gas or cards to be given instead of cash —Archival
Drivers must present a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration documents such as Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR), and undergo photo verification as part of the screening process.
The local subsidy will complement national government assistance, including the P5,000 fuel aid extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Transportation.
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