The Department of Energy (DOE) has rolled out a PHP 10 per liter diesel discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs), calling on qualified gas stations to participate in the program, which will be administered through the LandBank app..

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the initiative, launched on Tuesday, April 14, is part of the government’s broader support endeavors under the UPLIFT program to assist the transport sector.

Under the scheme, qualified PUV operators can avail of a PHP 10 discount per liter of diesel, capped at 150 liters per week. This is equivalent to a maximum subsidy of PHP 1,500 weekly.

The subsidy resets every week, and any unused allocation will not be carried over, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Pilot implementation currently covers Metro Manila, where the DOE is targeting 52 accredited gas stations. However, only 33 stations were initially onboarded, with the remaining outlets still undergoing registration in the LandBank system.

“I have issued a directive… na lahat na legitimate gas stations have to participate… Why is it only 33 out of 52? Kasi hindi pa tapos ‘yung pag-register nila sa LandBank app,” Garin clarified.

She added that LandBank personnel are also working to complete the onboarding of all stations, with full participation expected once registration is finalized.

LandBank President and CEO Lynette Ortiz said the bank is working to ensure all 52 stations are onboarded within the day through its mobile banking platform.

“We assure the public that the 52 will be onboarded today… we’re all hands on deck,” Ortiz said.

The program operates through a whitelist system, with the DOTr working alongside the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to identify qualified beneficiaries and submit the list to the Land Bank of the Philippines for validation.

The discount is applied directly at participating gas stations, where drivers must present their registered PUV plate number for system encoding before the subsidy is automatically deducted from the total bill.

Phase 1 of the rollout covers selected routes in Metro Manila, with the pilot expected to run for three months before a possible nationwide expansion.

Once fully implemented, the program is projected to benefit over 171,000 PUV units nationwide, which includes around 33,000 units operating daily in Metro Manila.

Officials said the initiative is intended to reduce operational costs for drivers, support incomes, and ensure the continued availability of public transport services amidst volatile fuel prices.

As the government tests this fuel discount mechanism, how effective will direct pump subsidies be in easing the burden on transport operators and commuters?

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