MANILA — a moratorium on loan payments for modern jeepneys as well as increasing fuel discounts for public utility vehicles (PUV) is being considered by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to help public transport operators and drivers amid continued fuel price hikes.
Transportation acting secretary Giovanni Lopez (in photo) said in a statement on Friday, July 24 he will write a letter asking for a moratorium addressed to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) — the two banks that provide loans for modern PUVs under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
“At least makakatulong naman po ’yan. Kumbaga, mababawasan ang kanilang iniisip nitong pagtaas ng oil,” Lopez said.
In addition the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are studying the expansion of the PHP10 per liter fuel discount for PUVs, as also reported.
He said a “targeted approach” that helps PUV operators and drivers would be better compared to having a fare increase that will affect all commuters.
A moratorium on loan payments, along with increased fuel discounts, could provide much-needed relief for modern jeepney operators facing continued fuel price hikes. It’s important that the DOTr’s proposal to LandBank leads to timely and accessible support for drivers.