Salceda: Include tricycle drivers in fuel subsidy

By Mavic Conde

Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda reminded the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board that tricycle drivers are part of the fuel subsidy program.

In a congressional inquiry amid the soaring of fuel prices, Salceda said that "we should keep proper recognition of tricycles" because "under the law, DOTr (Department of Transportation) is mandated to provide fuel subsidy for tricycles." The DOTr requested a budget from the Department of Budget and Management to cover the P6,500 fuel subsidy for each of the estimated 377,443 beneficiaries.

According to him it is "inexcusable to assert" that tricycles are under the local government units (LGUs), making them excluded from the program.

However, DOTr senior consultant Engineer Alberto Suansing clarified that the issue is not about tricycle drivers being excluded in the program but in its implementation.

He said the problem comes in releasing the funds since tricycle operations are under the LGUs and not the LTFRB, adding: the DOTr is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and local government to address the matter.