Question & AnswerQ&A (JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 001, S. 2018)
The Fuel Vouchers, Fuel Subsidy Program, and the Pantawid Pasada Program are considered as one and the same program.
The primary purpose is to grant a fuel subsidy to qualified Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) franchise holders or operators with valid LTFRB franchise.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is the lead agency for the Pantawid Pasada Program.
The program shall be implemented for a period of two years, from 2018 up to 2019.
Qualified franchise holders of Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) identified and validated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are the beneficiaries.
The LTFRB serves as the implementing agency, manages the franchise data, works directly with PUV operators, handles liquidation of the fund, and monitors and evaluates program implementation.
Approximately Php 997 million for 2018 and Php 3,855,759,667.20 for 2019, sourced from available funds to be transferred to the LTFRB.
The subsidy shall be given through the issuance of the Pantawid Pasada Cards in lieu of fuel vouchers or other means as agreed by the parties and as per the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Executive Order No. 292, Republic Act No. 7638, Executive Orders No. 127 and 25, and Republic Act No. 10963 (TRAIN Law) collectively mandate the DOTr and involved agencies to implement the program.
The DOE is tasked to coordinate with oil companies, provide relevant data and information on petroleum retail outlets to support program implementation.
LBP assists in program implementation as a government financial institution and receives the funds appropriated for the Pantawid Pasada Program.
Section 288 of the National Internal Revenue Code was amended to provide for social benefits including fuel vouchers as part of the TRAIN Law.
Not more than thirty percent (30%) of incremental revenues are allocated to fund social welfare and benefits programs, including fuel vouchers for qualified PUJ franchise holders.
The IRR shall include criteria for selecting and registering beneficiaries, program mechanics, Pantawid Pasada Card terms and conditions, fund source release and liquidation, and responsibilities of involved parties.
Yes, all existing issuances inconsistent with this Circular issued by DOTr, DOE, DOF, DBM, LTFRB, and LBP are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
It took effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation and the filing of copies with the UP Law Center.