THE Cebu City Government will release the P5,000 financial assistance and P3 fuel discount for public utility drivers in Cebu City starting next week.City Councilor James Cuenco, chairman of the committee on transportation, made the announcement after receiving the go-signal from Mayor Michael Rama to release the aid amid the increasing fuel prices due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.Cuenco said the P100 million stimulus package for drivers will be taken from the 2022 annual budget of the City.Of the amount, P70 million would be allocated for the P5,000 cash aid for drivers and another P30 million for their daily needs, such as food and other items.The councilor said at least 5,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) and taxi drivers are scheduled to receive their share next week.Cuenco said the motorcycle-for-hire (habal-habal) and tricycle drivers will also receive assistance during the second round of distribution or until the funds are exhausted.Meanwhile, the drivers can redeem the P3 fuel subsidy from Phoenix gasoline stations in the city.The P3 reduction per liter of crude oil or gasoline is a big help for drivers who refill at least 20 liters of fuel everyday.Drivers just need to present their fuel cards earlier issued by the City Hall to avail of discounts.Cuenco said the city government already has a database of drivers who will benefit from the program.The councilor said the city government will not spend money for the P3 fuel discount for drivers through the efforts of lawyer Gerardo Carillo, chairman of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Prior to this, Cuenco had proposed to give 30 liters per month to drivers as fuel subsidy.