THE TRANSPORTATION sector is among the hardest hit by the pandemic and would therefore need immense government assistance and support. However, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has underutilized its funds intended for the cash aid of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).
Just how difficult has life become for PUV drivers and operators in this time of pandemic?
Consider this: Many routes have closed or became unserviceable due to the reduction in the number of commuters (this is due to restrictions imposed on people’s movements, closure of businesses, work-from-home schemes, etc.) PUVs are no longer operating on full capacity, resulting to a reduction in drivers’ daily income. Thousands of PUV drivers across the country have thus been economically displaced.
“Tapos ngayon mababalitaan nating 1% lang ang nagamit ng LTFRB na pondo para sa ayuda? Nakakaalarma at nakakagalit,” said Jerome Adonis, Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general.
LTFRB used only 1.07% or P59 million of its total Service Contracting Program fund amounting to P5.58 billion. The program was created to distribute cash subsidies to PUV drivers and operators in exchange for plying the routes for the government.
COA also mentioned that as of the end of 2020, only 49.79% or around 29,800 drivers out of 60,000 targeted participants were registered in the program.
Aside from the problems brought about by the pandemic to transportation workers, the threat of jeepney phase-out continues to loom over the sector.
Irate drivers are thus questioning LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra’s competence and integrity in addressing the conditions of thousands of transport workers while parts of the country are again on lockdown and prices of oil, utilities, and food continue to skyrocket.
There is monetary assistance for drivers but this is not given to them who are begging and crawling with difficulty. This issue further demonstrates how sluggish the administration is in responding to the pandemic.
We call on the LTFRB and Department of Transportation to take immediate action on the problems faced by drivers and operators. Isn’t it your mandate to serve transportation workers?
