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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider DBM allots P1.28-B for Libreng Sakay

DBM allots P1.28-B for Libreng Sakay

Published Jan 12, 2023 02:11 pm

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has assured the public of continued “Libreng Sakay” as funding for the Service Contracting program which provides free bus rides for the public including the bus commuters along EDSA, has a fresh P1.285 billion budget under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“May pondo po ang Service Contracting Program sa ating FY 2023 GAA. Naglaan po ang pamahalaan ng Php1.285 billion para maipagpatuloy ang programang ito ngayong taon,” said Pangandaman on Thursday, Jan. 12.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will allot the budget to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The 2023 GAA or Republic Act No. 11936, has been signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last month.

The Libreng Sakay is a joint program of the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help commuters amid rising prices of commodities and services. As of Dec. 27, 2022, the LTFRB recorded a total of 164,966,373 passengers who have availed of the Libreng Sakay program along EDSA in the preceding year.

Pangandaman said the government “values” Libreng Sakay and its assistance to Filipino commuters.

“We understand the plight of our commuting public. And so President Bongbong Marcos gave us a directive to do our part, and to exert our best to help ease their burden. The Service Contracting Program, which funds Libreng Sakay is a big help,” she said.

“Malaking tulong po ang tipid-pasahe sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin. Whatever amount they save daily, they can reallocate to equally or more important needs such as budget for food, electricity, tuition fee, among others,” Pangandaman added.

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