Drivers and operators of public utility vehicles in Central Visayas have to wait three more weeks for the release of fuel subsidies, according to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr.

He explained that the LTFRB central office was still awaiting the downloading of funds for the subsidies from the Department of Budget and Management.

Likewise, Montealto said the number of beneficiaries will be finalized in a memorandum circular or a board resolution issued by the central office.

About 1.6 million drivers and operators from across the country are expected to benefit from the fuel subsidy.

Traditional jeepney drivers will receive P6,500, tricycle and delivery service vehicle drivers will get P1,000, and modern public utility vehicle drivers will receive higher amounts through fuel cards valid at selected gasoline stations.

Montealto said Central Visayas will have the fourth-largest allocation for fuel subsidy, with the National Capital Region as the first, followed by Region 3 (Central Luzon) and Region 4A.

Earlier, LTFRB-7 technical division chief Joel Bolano disclosed that the agency had anticipated the distribution of fuel subsidies by the end of August, but this did not push through due to the incomplete list of beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the Cebu chapter of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide, or PISTON, called for the outright suspension of the excise tax on fuel.

Diesel prices have risen by P12.45 in the last six weeks, while gasoline has risen by P9.15 and kerosene by P12.15.

Montealto said the subsidy will be downloaded directly from the LTFRB central office to the fuel subsidy cards of the drivers and operators.

Those without fuel or cash cards may transact directly with the Land Bank of the Philippines. He admitted that there are unclaimed fuel subsidies for 2021 and 2022.