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QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to exempt the service contracting program that includes EDSA Busway “Libreng Sakay,” fuel subsidy and other programs from election period fund disbursement prohibition.
Acting LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. explained that such programs are not election-related expenses as they are intended to assist the public transportation sector and commuters amid the effects of the Middle East conflict.
“The subject programs are continuing government programs and are not election-related or partisan activities. They are implemented pursuant to existing laws, appropriations, policies, and program guidelines,” said Pua in a letter addressed to COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin M. Garcia.
The LTFRB explained that aside from the Service Contracting Program (SCP), including the EDSA Busway Extension and Love Bus "Libreng Sakay" Program, also among the programs being asked by the LTFRB to be exempted from the election ban are the Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP), including the one-time fuel subsidy and the P12.00 per-liter fuel discount; and the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and its continuing activities.
The LTFRB is also currently facilitating the release of up to three-month assistance packages to operators of modern public transportation for their monthly loan amortization and operational expenses due to the continuous rise in the prices of petroleum products.
The letter, received by the COMELEC on September 16, explained why there is a need for the commission to grant authority to allow the continued implementation of the programs, saying, “These programs are intended to ensure continuity, affordability, safety, and reliability of public transportation.”
Pua said the Service Contracting Program provides support based on actual and validated transport services rendered, while the fuel subsidy program provides targeted assistance to qualified transport operators and drivers to mitigate higher fuel costs and sustain operations.
Meanwhile, the PTMP is a continuing national program for the modernization and improvement of public transportation.
He said any interruption in these programs during the election period may adversely affect commuters, drivers, and public transport operators, and may disrupt the delivery of essential public transportation services.
“The LTFRB, through the guidance of the Department of Transportation, further commits that the implementation of these programs shall remain subject to objective eligibility requirements, proper documentation, validation, accounting and auditing rules, and such safeguards as may be prescribed by the COMELEC, with no participation or involvement of candidates or political parties,” said Pua. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
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