Philippines Expands Fuel Discount Programme for Public Utility Vehicles Through Digital Verification
The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has instructed all legitimate fuel stations to participate in a government fuel discount initiative aimed at supporting public utility vehicle (PUV) operators facing rising fuel costs. The programme, which offers a P10-per-litre discount, will begin with a pilot in Metro Manila before expanding nationwide. According to the official government announcement, the scheme uses LandBank’s mobile banking platform to verify eligible vehicles and manage transactions digitally.
At the initial stage, 33 of the 52 fuel stations in Metro Manila had been confirmed as participating, primarily due to ongoing registration processes in the LandBank system. The DOE has directed all legitimate stations to join the programme, with LandBank working to complete onboarding so that the pilot can operate fully across the capital region.
Government Directs Fuel Stations to Join Discount Scheme
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the department had issued a directive requiring fuel stations to participate once their registration through the LandBank app is completed.
“I have issued a directive this (Tuesday) morning na lahat na legitimate gas stations have to participate. So, halos lahat naman. Why is it only 33 out of 52? Kasi hindi pa tapos ‘yung pag-register nila sa LandBank app. So, ngayon, 33 ang na-confirm (registered). Actually, ang mga taga-LandBank ngayon ay iniisa-isa nila ‘yung gas stations,” — Sharon Garin, Secretary, Department of Energy
The pilot will allow authorities to identify operational issues before expanding the programme to other regions. President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has directed that the initiative eventually be implemented nationwide to help mitigate the impact of higher oil prices on public transport operators.
“Try natin ano mga problema sa NCR, and if everything goes okay, then we can scale that to nationwide na siya,” — Sharon Garin, Secretary, Department of Energy
LandBank Mobile App Enables Digital Verification
The programme relies on the LandBank mobile banking application to manage fuel discount eligibility. Landbank President and CEO Lynette Ortiz said the bank had mobilised teams to ensure all 52 stations in Metro Manila are registered and able to process transactions through the platform.
“We assure the public that the 52 will be onboarded today. So we’re all hands on deck just to make sure that the 52 gas stations will be opening Landbank accounts,” — Lynette Ortiz, President and CEO, LandBank of the Philippines
She added that the system operates through the bank’s mobile platform, which is intended to streamline transactions for fuel stations and PUV drivers.
“And as I mentioned, this is really through our mobile banking app. So everything becomes very easy and convenient for both the gas station and we hope, for both the gas station and we hope for the PUV drivers as well,” — Lynette Ortiz, President and CEO, LandBank of the Philippines
How the Fuel Discount System Works
To receive the discount, PUV drivers must bring their registered vehicle to the participating station. Fuel station attendants will verify eligibility using the vehicle’s plate number through the app.
Once the plate number is entered along with the station code, the system checks whether the vehicle still has an available allocation for the P10-per-litre subsidy. If the information matches, the discount is automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual processing or paper-based coupons.
The approach reflects broader government efforts to modernise public service delivery through digital platforms. Initiatives supporting digital transformation in public transport services and wider digital innovation across infrastructure and energy sectors are increasingly being used to improve service access and operational efficiency.
While some PUV drivers may have limited familiarity with digital tools, the system is designed so that only station attendants need to operate the application. This allows the verification process to remain straightforward while enabling the government to track fuel subsidies electronically.
