The Commission on Elections (Comelec) exempts the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) fuel subsidy from a public spending ban tied to the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). GMA News Online reports that Comelec grants this exemption as part of rules limiting government spending for social services during the election period.
Earlier, Inquirer.net reports that the LTFRB requests the exemption, saying programs such as the fuel subsidy for public transport drivers and “Libreng Sakay” for the EDSA busway are meant to meet commuters’ transportation needs. Inquirer notes that LTFRB acting chair Greg Pua submits a letter to Comelec on September 15 outlining the public-facing purpose of these initiatives. Inquirer later adds that Comelec Chair George Garcia confirms the exemption, describing it specifically as covering the fuel subsidy under social services.
Overall, the sources agree the exemption is granted and that it involves LTFRB’s fuel subsidy; they differ mainly in how many LTFRB programs are highlighted in the narrative before the Comelec decision.
