MANILA – More than 1.36 million public utility drivers and operators nationwide will soon receive a one-time fuel subsidy worth between PHP1,000 and PHP10,000 amid rising oil prices.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the subsidy, amounting to PHP3 billion approved by the Department of Budget and Management, would be distributed as fuel vouchers.

DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista has ordered for the immediate release of the subsidy.

Under Joint Memorandum Circular 2, beneficiaries of the program include drivers of traditional and modern jeepneys, UV Express, mini and regular buses, shuttle services, taxis, tourist transport services, school transport services, ride-hailing services, delivery services, and tricycles.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will distribute PHP10,000 to modern jeepney and modern UV express drivers and operators, while other modes of transport will receive PHP6,500.

Tricycle drivers and operators will receive PHP1,000 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, while delivery service riders will receive PHP1,200 from the Department of Information and Communications Technology. (PNA)