Manila, April 18 -- Over half of the PHP2.5-billion relief assistance to members of the transport sector has been distributed to its beneficiaries, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Saturday.

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovani Lopez said at least PHP1.5 billion have been given to beneficiaries like public utility drivers, operators and commuters (through free rides and fare discounts) amid the rising costs of fuel.

"So we started, the budget for DOTr is PHP2.5 billion. To date, we have disbursed PHP1.5 billion," he said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

Beneficiaries received the financial aid through banks and electronic wallet or e-wallet.

"And the process of disbursement (is) through banks, through e-wallet. We wan...