Jeepney Driver Collapses While Waiting for Queuing for Financial Aid
A jeepney driver suffered a seizure while standing in line to receive the P5,000 financial assistance in Quezon City.
Fellow drivers quickly came to help him, fanning him and pouring water to help revive him. A first responder also performed CPR before the driver was rushed to Quezon City General Hospital.
Authorities reported that the driver suffered from an electrolyte imbalance due to hunger, highlighting the harsh conditions many transport workers face.
The challenges for jeepney drivers have grown worse with rising fuel prices, and some are further burdened by being excluded from the official Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) list.
It means they are not immediately eligible for government assistance, leaving many without support.
Most of the drivers waiting for aid operate along the Lagro-Cubao route. Many apologized to stranded passengers on Commonwealth Avenue, explaining that they urgently needed the financial help to manage daily expenses.
The assistance is especially critical as income from just a few days of trips can quickly run out, leaving drivers struggling to cover fuel, food, and other necessities.
One driver, Juvy Bongolto, went directly to collect the aid after being discharged from the hospital following a second stroke, showing the pressing need for support among transport workers.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency plans to coordinate with LTFRB offices and local government units to identify drivers who were not included in the official lists. It ensures more drivers and operator associations can receive the aid.
The DSWD is also preparing for a second round of assistance distribution, anticipating potential complications due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The government expects to spend around P7 billion nationwide for this program, aiming to help as many affected families and workers as possible.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
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