Fuel subsidies for PUV drivers to counter oil hike

By Rio N. Araja

nal charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, Nartatez said.

To avoid similar incidents, Nartatez said the NCRPO will strengthen programs to continue educating their personnel, especially on the rules of engagement and patrolling.

The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will expedite the fact-finding investigation of the case. IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said they expect to release their recommendation in the first week of September. He said the involved policemen will be asked to submit their counter-affidavit.

PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said a police executive master sergeant, three staff sergeants, two corporals, and one patrolman involved in the incident are now facing administrative and criminal charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

Maranan said the police officers conducted a pursuit operation on Aug. 2 in response to a murder incident when they chanced upon Baltazar who was then on board a boat. The police said they commanded Baltazar and his companion to surrender. However, he allegedly jumped into the river prompting law enforcers to fire at him which resulted in his death.

The police officers later admitted that Baltazar was not the suspect they were looking for but a certain Reynaldo Bolivar.

Navotas City Mayor Joh Rey Tiangco extended his condolences to the family of the victim, saying that “We are deeply saddened by the wrongful death of a 17-year-old Navoteño who was shot by members of the Navotas police due to mistaken identity.” With Vito Barcelo and Joel Zurbano

T HE Land Transportation Franchis - ing and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said at least 1.3 million public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators will receive fuel subsidies from the government amid the escalating prices of pump fuels.

LTFRB executive director Robert Peig said the Department of Budget and Management is expected to release the budget allocation for the fuel subsidy before August ends.

Those to receive the subsidies included drivers and operators of jeepneys, buses, taxis, shuttle services, school services, tourist services, transport network vehicles, tricycles, and delivery riders nationwide, he said.

According to Peig, a modern jeepney would get P10,000; modern UV express, P10,000; traditional jeepney, P6,500; school/shuttle/tourist service/ transport network vehicle service, P6,500; delivery rider; P1,200, and tricycle driver, P1,000.

Fuel cards would be released to the beneficiaries being regulated by LTFRB, he said.

Those under the local government units will get their subsidies through e-wallets from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.

The LTFRB would release the subsidies to the franchise holders who should pass on the subsidies to the drivers because they are the ones who pay for the fuel.

The country’s oil firms raised pump prices by P4 per liter for diesel, kerosene by P2.75 per liter and gasoline by P0.50 per liter effective 6 a.m. today (Tuesday) to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

It is also the fifth straight week of increases for diesel and kerosene and the fourth in a row for gasoline.