Manila LGU increases Libreng Sakay program drivers subsidy to P4,000

MANILA, Philippines — Drivers under the Manila local government unit’s ‘Libreng Sakay’ (free ride) program will now receive P4,000, up from P3,500, following the P17 to P19 increase in diesel prices on Tuesday.

Manila’s Libreng Sakay program was launched under Executive Order No. 14 which provides “economic assistance for the transport sector in response to rising fuel costs.” 

Under the program, the city government shoulders the daily earnings of participating jeepney drivers and operators while passengers ride free of charge.

READ: Manila to pay for free jeepney rides  

“Although I sincerely thank our drivers who participated in this program, I also understand their daily livelihood. And because of today’s increase in fuel prices, the income guaranteed and provided by the Manila city government will be even smaller.” Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso, speaking in Filipino, said in his “Talk to the People” stream via Facebook on Tuesday.

Domagoso then announced, “I decided to add an extra 500 pesos, effective today.”

Initially, the subsidy to drivers was at P3,000, however, this was raised to P3,500 on March 31 as a P12 hike was implemented that week.

As another fuel price hike was implemented this Tuesday, drivers will receive an additional P500 bringing the subsidy to P4,000.

The program was originally set to operate on Mondays and Tuesdays on its first week and from Monday to Wednesday on its second week this week, with possible extensions as the city’s budget permits.

“Our program will continue to run on its fourth day today, and tomorrow, Wednesday,” Domagoso said.

“I cannot promise you that this will continue because we are spending almost four million pesos of taxpayers’ money daily for the benefit of the public through the city’s free ride program,” he explained.

The mayor said the program has serviced a total of 503,060 passengers for the first three days it has operated as 129,665 passengers availed of the program on its first day on March 30; 179,070 on its second day, March 31; and 194,325 on its third day, April 6.

Domagoso said the crisis requires a “whole-nation approach,” calling on the private sector to also assist in their program.

“If you feel that you appreciate our drivers, a simple ‘thank you’ will do. But if you want, let’s help out together. Maybe give them snacks from time to time if you have some to spare. Perhaps there are also NGOs [Non-Governmental Organizations] out there; let’s all lend a hand,” he added.

He said, in his personal assessment, with “efficient use of the government’s resources along with citizen participation,” the country will be able to go through this crisis. /mr