Gasoline subsidy cards distributed in Naga

NAGA CITY (July 6, 2011) – Today at least 1,580 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pasada Program (3P’s) of the Aquino administration received gasoline subsidy of the government through smart cards distributed by the Department of Energy (DOE).

DOE Undersecretary Zenaida Monzada who led the awarding of cards to jeepney drivers and operators confirmed the program is a onetime subsidy of the government amounting to P1, 050 per vehicle regardless who owns the it and how many unit a particular operator possesses.

She said the 3P’s aims to alleviate the burden on drivers of public conveyances caused by spiraling fuel prices through subsidies.

The smart cards can be used to load diesel from gas stations operated by participating oil companies.

“If there are two drivers in one unit of jeepney they can divide the load amount in the card because the available cash is only intended for one unit of a vehicle,” Mozada confirmed.

The Aquino administration has allocated at least 480 million pesos gasoline subsidy for drivers of public utility vehicle in the country. The fuel subsidy is just a temporary relief.

Earlier, the Naga city government awarded gasoline subsidies to at least one thousand tricycle drivers supporting the 3P’s Program of the Aquino administration. (NORIEL OYA)