THE Interagency Energy Contingency Committee (IECC) on Thursday reminded all public utility jeepney (PUJ) franchise holders with valid registrations to claim their Pantawid Pasada Cards on or before November 30. The Pantawid Pasada Program is an interim measure of the government to cushion the impact of high fuel prices, particularly to PUJs.

IECC, led by the Department of Energy (DOE), said the cards may be claimed at the DOE, Energy Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, for franchise holders within the National Capital Region (NCR).

For the provinces, the DOE said the cards may be claimed at the nearest Regional and District offices of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The DOE said the LTO and Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have committed to submit to the DOE the final list of beneficiaries entitled under the program by October 31. 

The DOE added that PUJ drivers not included in the original list and have legitimate LTO and LTFRB registrations as of March 31, 2011, shall be given Pantawid Pasada cards. Failure of the intended beneficiaries to claim their cards by November 30, is presumed a waiver of their claims to the cards and enjoyment of the corresponding entitlements, DOE added.

To be able to claim the cards, the DOE reminded the intended beneficiaries to bring the original and a photocopy of the current Confirmation Certificate from the LTFRB.

If this document is not available, the DOE said the beneficiaries are required to bring a photocopy of the Certificate of Public Convenience (Decision/Order), Official Receipt of LTO Registration (OR) (this should be valid from April 2010 until March 2011) and Certificate of Vehicle Registration (CR), and at least one government-issued identification card.

The DOE said those who will claim the cards are also required to present the original of the aforementioned documents for verification purposes. No cards will be issued among those who fail to present and submit required documents.

If the operator is unable to claim his/her card(s), the representative should be able to show proof that he/she is authorized to claim the Pantawid Pasada Card by presenting an authorization letter (original and copy for submission).

The DOE said PUJ drivers or their representatives can check if their plate numbers are listed in the Pantawid Pasada Program database at www.doe.gov.ph/ptap.