‘Libreng Sakay’ may continue even after lapse of Bayanihan 2 — solon

DOTR Libreng Sakay. Image from DOTr Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The national government’s “Libreng Sakay” program can still continue even after the expiration of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2, Samar Rep. Edgar Sarmiento said Friday.

Sarmiento, who chairs the House committee on transportation, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) still has a P3 billion untapped budget that it can use for the program which not only provides free transportation to commuters but also provides payouts to public utility vehicle drivers and operators.

“Even with the expiration of the Bayanihan 2 Law, the DoTr can still continue implementing Libreng Sakay without the need for new legislation. The program has a separate allocation from the national budget of more than P3 billion,” Sarmiento said in a statement.

“This is more than enough to fund the extension of the Libreng Sakay program until December 30. This should give Congress more time to act on pending legislation that provides funding for the extension or possible expansion of the program,” he added.

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According to Sarmiento, a total of P8.58 billion has been allocated to finance the government’s service contracting program or the Libreng Sakay program.

Sarmiento said that P5.58 billion will come from the Bayanihan 2 fund and P3 billion from the 2021 national budget.

“But since its implementation, the DoTr only managed to obligate some P1.824 billion and disburse P1.420 billion drawn from the Bayanihan 2 budget,” Sarmiento said.

Bayanihan 2 expired on June 30 with P9 billion worth of funds still unused. The unused funds were reverted back to the national treasury. — Sofia Vertucio, trainee

EDV