Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Councilor Dindo Ramos commended the transport sector for the peaceful conduct of their March 21 “People’s Holiday” to air their indignation over the series of fuels price increases and echoed their call for the suspension of excise tax on fuel products.
Leonardia said in a press release Tuesday, March 22, that the city government is awaiting the guidelines for the monthly fuel subsidy to drivers being planned by the national government.
In his telephone conference with Ramos, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Transportation, and Regional Director Richard Osmeña of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Region 6, the mayor said the LTFRB executive concurred that the Bacolod City government will take charge the distribution of the fuel subsidy to drivers because it has the manpower capability and the systems used in the release of assistance during the pandemic.
Initially, though, the national government will only be able to extend a P200 monthly subsidy, Ramos said.
Leonardia disclosed that Ramos, who had been in touch with leaders of PUV drivers as transport committee chair, proposed a one-time grant of financial assistance to between 500 to 700 drivers, who belong to the poorest of the poor.
Leonardia said he is seriously considering the proposal.
The recipients may not be as massive as those who will receive the P200 monthly aid from the national government that could be by the thousands but the local government counterpart will certainly help alleviate the plight of the poorer drivers, Ramos said.
He assured the transport sector that there will be no discrimination in its implementation, saying that the deserving recipients will receive what is due them.
The local transport group’s decision to cut short its two-day “People’s Holiday” coincided with the big-time rollback of fuel prices.
The gasoline price was down by P5.45 per liter, diesel by P11.45, and kerosene by P8.55 on Tuesday but could go up again next week.
Leonardia said the increase in fuel prices is not a local issue but a worldwide concern.
Fuel prices, he pointed out, are affected by global market dynamics such as the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, among others.
Leonardia said he welcomed the move of drivers to call off the second day of their transport strike although it was business as usual in all government and private offices as the city offered the “Libre Sakay” to employees and the general public on Monday.
The mayor and Ramos met with city government drivers to thank them for rendering their services starting at 4 a.m. until late afternoon Monday to cater to stranded passengers.
They also thanked Bacolodnon Dindo Nuega, who offered his van free of charge for the “Libre Sakay” as well as Councilor Cindy Tan-Rojas for making available an additional vehicle.*