The “Pantawid Pasada” Program under the Public Transportation Assistance Program (PTAP) of President Benigno S. Aquino III was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 32 s. 2011 as an urgent intervention aimed at cushioning the impact of high fuel prices on the marginalized sector of society.

Under the program, each tricycle franchise owner shall receive a one-time gasoline subsidy of P150.00 per tricycle unit.

In this regard, the DILG released the implementing guidelines contained in a memorandum circular issued by Sec. Jesse M. Robredo to provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and concerned officers of local legislative councils.

As stipulated in the guidelines, the concerned DILG Regional Office shall forge a memorandum of agreement with the local chief executives (LCEs) concerned, who shall in turn cause the preparation and certification of the list of the authorized tricycle franchisees, addresses and number of tricycles operating.

The guidelines likewise provided that the LCEs shall set-up a PTAP Assistance and Complaint Desk to receive feedback and address the complaints of the beneficiaries.

Robredo said that through the “Pantawid Pasada” Program, the government will somehow be able to help tricycle owners bear the brunt of the oil price increases.

At the local front, per validation conducted, Region IX has a total of 13,261 tricycle franchisees covering the Provinces of Zamboanga del Sur (739); Zamboanga del Norte (395); and Zamboanga Sibugay (849) and the Cities of Dapitan (449); Dipolog (1,879); Isabela (1,500); Pagadian (2,850) and Zamboanga (4,600) respectively.

DILG IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil said Region IX was allotted the amount of P1,989,150.00 intended for the fuel subsidy of 13,261 registered tricycle franchisees in the region to be distributed in the provinces and cities in Zamboanga Peninsula.

RD Abutazil further said that subsidy distribution will be made at the LGU level based on the certified list of franchisees. “The DILG will provide the LGUs the necessary administrative advice and support to ensure the successful implementation of PTAP”.

Furthermore, it was stressed that it is the responsibility of the LGU concerned to strictly implement the provision of E.O. 32, and that in case of violations, the official authorizing the same shall be held responsible for whatever expenses the government incurred for not strictly following the issuances.