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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Pangsalag': Bernos says 'Libreng Sakay' program needs to make a comeback

'Pangsalag': Bernos says 'Libreng Sakay' program needs to make a comeback

Published Mar 16, 2026 07:32 am

At A Glance

  • Calling it a timely intervention, Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos is batting for the return of the government's "Libreng Sakay" (free rides) program to help cushion the blow of the skyrocketing fuel prices on Filipino consumers.
Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos (Facebook)
Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos (Facebook)


Calling it a timely intervention, Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos is batting for the return of the government's "Libreng Sakay" (free rides) program to help cushion the blow of the skyrocketing fuel prices on Filipino consumers.
“The revival of the Libreng Sakay program will benefit vulnerable sectors such as students and daily wage earners. I hope that the government pushes through with it for the sake of the commuting public,” Bernos said over the weekend.
“Sa harap ng ganitong mga krisis, nararapat lamang na salagin ng pamahalaan ang mabigat na epekto upang maibsan ang alalahanin ng mga kababayan natin (In the face of such crises, it is only right for the government to shield our people from the heavy impacts so as to ease their concerns),” the lady lawmaker said.
Acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez earlier bared that he asked road sector officials to use the P1-billion allocation in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the Service Contracting Program (SCP).
Through the SCP, the agency may sign contracting deals with PUV cooperatives and operators for the delivery of transport services.
Bernos urged the DOTr to study the possibility of expanding the Libreng Sakay program beyond the Edsa Busway so that more Filipinos could be served. Around 183,000 commuters benefited from the program last year, according to DOTr.
She also called on local government units (LGUs) that have the needed resources to also explore SCP arrangements with their local transport providers.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is expected to come out with its recommendation for a fare increase this week.
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