The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to distribute the government’s fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers through online channels to ensure faster and more efficient delivery amid rising global fuel prices.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II on Friday invited electronic money issuers (EMIs) to serve as payment channel providers for the ₱5,000 subsidy per eligible beneficiary.
“In engaging the services of Electronic Money Issuers, our goal is to ensure an efficient, secure, and transparent distribution of fuel subsidy assistance to program beneficiaries,” Mendoza said.
EMIs were asked to submit letters of intent and documentary requirements to prove their legitimacy and capacity to handle transactions.
Mendoza noted that past digital distributions had proven “effective and efficient,” eliminating the need for drivers to queue at distribution venues.
As of December 2025, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas accredited 29 EMI banks, including Land Bank of the Philippines, BDO Unibank, and Citibank, as well as 44 non-bank EMIs such as Cebuana Lhuillier, G-Xchange, and Maya Philippines.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez earlier announced that fuel subsidy distribution in Metro Manila will begin next week, starting with tricycle drivers, followed by other PUV beneficiaries nationwide.
Transport group Manibela chair Mar Valbuena said jeepney drivers are losing half of their daily income—₱400 out of ₱800—due to rapid oil price hikes.
He also lamented the multiple requirements imposed by the LTFRB for drivers to qualify for the subsidy.