Several oil companies will provide fuel discounts to public utility vehicles (PUV) to cushion the impact of the new tax reform law (TRAIN).
The Energy Department (DOE) has signed deals with Petron Corp., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. in giving these discounts.
Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi signed separate memoranda of agreements (MOA) with the executives of the three companies for PUV fuel discounts as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.
“These CSR programs of the oil companies are aimed to mitigate the impact of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law’s impact on transportation fares,” Cusi said.
Under the MOA, Petron, Shell, and Phoenix Petroleum will give at least P1.00 per liter discounts on liquid fuels to PUVs, including jeepneys and taxis.
“With these fuel discount and other CSR programs, we are hopeful that operators of jeepneys and buses will also help lessen the impact of TRAIN to consumers by not increasing the transport fares,” Cusi said.
The said oil companies will provide a designated lane for PUVs, additional privileges and other promotional offers for PUV drivers.
Petron will make the PUV discounts available in 500 stations, most will be in Metro Manila which has the most commuter routes in the country, CFO Emmanuel Erana said.
Phoenix Petroleum will make the discount available in 150 of its stations nationwide, vice president for external affairs Raymond Zorrilla said.
Meanwhile, more oil companies are seen to team up of the DOE for the PUV fuel discount, DOE assistant secretary Leonido Pulido said.
“Chevron and other stakeholders…are interested to join the program. We may have another MOA signing with other players,” Pulido said.
“Energy efficiency and these CSR schemes are being pursued by the DOE to maximize the benefit of having a higher take-home pay for lower and middle-class income taxpayers,” Cusi stressed.