Manila: Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan announced on Monday that the linkage of fuel subsidy distribution with the National ID system aims to resolve the current gaps in the rollout process, ensuring that the aid reaches the intended beneficiaries within the transport sector.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee hearing, Secretary Balisacan emphasized the collaboration with implementing agencies, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which administers the 'ayuda' or aid. The initiative to connect the aid distribution to the National ID is designed to simplify the identification process for the second round of assistance, determining the recipients and the subsidy amount efficiently.
The hearing also highlighted concerns raised by lawmakers regarding delays in subsidy distribution. Senator Erwin Tulfo pointed out that many drivers, especially those in provincial areas, have not yet received the intended assistance. He questioned the existence of a master plan to address the needs of these beneficiaries.
The Department of Transportation provided data indicating that out of 21,000 public utility bus drivers, fewer than 2,000 have received fuel subsidies. Similarly, just over 100 out of 1,138 minibus drivers have benefited from the assistance thus far.
Further discussions during the hearing considered whether the assistance would extend beyond drivers to other affected sectors, such as minimum wage earners and middle-income workers. Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Adonis Sulit clarified that the current cash relief assistance is being pilot-tested on drivers identified as the most vulnerable group. Sulit explained that while the funds are not allocated to the Department of Transportation due to differing objectives, the DSWD program is accessible to all individuals in crisis situations, regardless of income level.
