MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Maan Teodoro on Wednesday clarified that the rescheduling of Marikina’s fuel subsidy payout for jeepney drivers was meant to ensure that no qualified beneficiary would be left out.
Teodoro said the city decided to move the payout because it did not agree to a distribution in which only some jeepney drivers would receive assistance while others in Marikina were not even included in the list.
She said the local government spoke with jeepney operators and drivers associations, along with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), to press for the inclusion of drivers who should be covered by the subsidy.
Teodoro also lamented that some were focusing on politics and spreading fake news instead of helping during a time of crisis.
“This is not a time for politics. This is a time for compassion, action, and standing with those who are in greater need,” Teodoro said.
The rescheduled payout in Marikina will be held on March 28.