MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is considering online distribution of the government’s fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to help address rising fuel prices, the agency said.

The initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure a fast and smooth delivery of fuel assistance. LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II invited electronic money issuers (EMIs) to serve as payment channel providers for the PHP5,000 subsidy per eligible beneficiary.

“In engaging the services of Electronic Money Issuers, our goal is to ensure an efficient, secure, and transparent distribution of fuel subsidy assistance to program beneficiaries,” Mendoza said.

EMIs were asked to submit a letter of intent and other documents to prove their capacity to handle the transactions. “It is through the submitted documents, as well as other papers that may be required later, which will serve as the basis for the LTFRB to determine the capability of the EMIs to participate in the program by serving as Payment Channel Provider,” Mendoza explained.

He added that digital distribution has proven “effective and efficient” in past subsidy programs, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to line up at distribution venues.

As of December 2025, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) had accredited 29 EMI banks, including Land Bank of the Philippines, BDO Unibank, and Citibank, as well as 44 non-bank EMI institutions, such as Cebuana Lhuillier, G-Xchange, and Maya Philippines.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said distribution of fuel subsidy for Metro Manila PUV drivers will begin next week, starting with tricycle drivers, with other beneficiaries in the capital region and nationwide expected to follow soon.

During a House Committee on Transportation hearing on Wednesday, transport group Manibela chair Mar Valbuena said jeepney drivers are losing about half of their average daily income—PHP400 out of PHP800—due to rising oil prices. Valbuena also expressed concerns over the several requirements set by LTFRB for PUV drivers to qualify for the fuel subsidy.

(PNA)