The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday morning, March 24, began distributing financial assistance to Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers in National Capital Region (NCR) as fuel prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a social media announcement posted Monday, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the payout of ₱5,000 cash assistance would start at 7 a.m. at designated locations.
The official list of beneficiaries was finalized following a thorough validation process conducted by the LTFRB, based on data submitted by various Transport Network Companies (TNCs). These include Grab, JoyRide, InDrive, Angcars, Go Cab, Hirna, Hail, Maxim, Para Express, PeekUp, Pure Ride, Toktok, Unlala, and Utol.
The assistance is being provided under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program in coordination with the LTFRB.
To claim the aid, The beneficiaries are required to present their original driver’s license along with one photocopy during the payout.
The LTFRB clarified that motorcycle taxi drivers and delivery riders are not included in the current list of beneficiaries.
The DSWD began early distribution of cash assistance to TNVS drivers in Manila. A total of 2,629 TNVS drivers are set to receive ₱5,000 in cash assistance in response to the continued rise in fuel prices in the country.
In San Juan City, more than 200 TNVS drivers are set to receive the ₱5,000 assistance. A total of 261 beneficiaries from 14 TNVS operators have been identified in the area.
Despite expressing gratitude, several drivers said the amount is insufficient given current fuel prices.
“Dalawang full tank…siguro maibabayahe mo ‘yun dalawang araw lang din empty na naman. Pamasahe mababa,” one beneficiary said.
Another driver pointed out the imbalance between earnings and expenses: “Magsasakay ka ng pasahero booking mo 64, magkano gasolina 88.”
Drivers also said they continue to struggle with budgeting, noting that fares have remained stagnant while fuel prices steadily increase.
The government is working alongside TNVS operators such as Grab, Angcars, and JoyRide to assist in organizing and guiding beneficiaries during the distribution process. Officials emphasized that recipients must be on the validated list and residents of San Juan City to qualify for the assistance.
Meanwhile, more than 1,700 TNVS drivers to receive aid in Pasig City, however,some drivers concerned after being excluded from master list.
