Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Tuesday that the Service Contracting Program (SCP) for land-based public utility vehicles (PUV) will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on May 22. In its place, a nationwide PHP10 per liter fuel discount for PUV operators and drivers will be implemented following a successful trial in Metro Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II detailed that 141,724 units of passenger jeepneys and UV express vehicles have already been approved and integrated into the fuel discount subsidy program. This initiative allows them to purchase diesel at a reduced price at participating gas stations. The program mandates that these gas stations connect to the national government's database through a mobile app, which will list eligible beneficiaries.

Mendoza emphasized that only PUVs with valid franchises will be included in the database, with each PUV unit eligible for a 150-liter weekly fuel cap. Once a PUV's license plate is verified, the discount is automatically applied, and the driver pays only the discounted price for fuel.

Additionally, Mendoza instructed LTFRB regional directors to conduct information campaigns to educate jeepney and UV Express drivers about the 4,299 participating gas stations across the country. In a related move, a memorandum was released to all LTFRB personnel, advising them of the SCP's termination.

The memorandum directs all onboarded beneficiaries of the land-based SCP to halt all program-related activities after the specified expiration date and time. This includes the cessation of QR code and manual scanning, the additional fare discount for passengers, and the use or display of any official SCP promotional materials.

The LTFRB communications team has been tasked with conducting an information drive to inform stakeholders about the program's conclusion. Under the SCP, regular passengers received a 20 percent discount, while students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities received a 40 percent discount. In return, the government compensated PUV operators and drivers based on their service contracts and performance.

Both the SCP and the new fuel discount initiative are part of the government's comprehensive support strategy for the PUV sector, aimed at mitigating the impact of high fuel prices.