THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said around 60,000 drivers nationwide have received fuel subsidies as of Friday.

The figures were provided by LTFRB technical division head Joel Bolano in a video interview with The Manila Times.

“Just to clarify, the list of beneficiaries that were transmitted was that of public utility vehicles (PUVs) like buses and taxis. Because they have an existing database with the LTFRB, this is what we regulate,” Bolano said.

“As of [Friday], the Land Bank of the Philippines was able to credit 60,000 beneficiaries, based on the LTFRB’s submitted list.” Around 1.36 million transport operators are expected to receive the subsidy, with 280,000 of them coming from PUVs.

Some operators have yet to receive their subsidies, including Manibela National President Mar Valbuena.

Bolano said the fund is allocated to 1.36 million beneficiaries.

The LTFRB does not have a timeline for disbursing the fuel subsidies.

Tricycle drivers and delivery riders have yet to receive their subsidies since their lists are still being processed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Transportation.

Bolano also said there will be a hearing on September 26 on the petitions for a fare increase by jeepney operators and transport groups.

“Based on the initial pronouncement, they are looking to increase, but the amount is yet to be determined because oil prices are going up and down,” he said.

“As to the final decision, it will depend on the outcome of the hearing and deliberation on the board on September 26; if ever there are succeeding hearings, that’s the only [time] we’ll determine whether or not there will be a fare hike,” Bolano said.

In the previous interview, Valbuena said his group was not willing to file a fare hike before the LTFRB.