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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider No garbage trucks used in 'libreng sakay' - Manila LGU

No garbage trucks used in 'libreng sakay' - Manila LGU

Published Mar 27, 2026 11:32 am
Photo shows the Shacman disaster transport trucks used in Manila's Libreng Sakay initiative on Thursday, March 26. (Photo from Manila PIO)
Photo shows the Shacman disaster transport trucks used in Manila's Libreng Sakay initiative on Thursday, March 26. (Photo from Manila PIO)

The Manila City local government slammed posts on social media saying that dump trucks or garbage trucks were used in its "Libreng Sakay" program to transport commuters for free as several public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, particularly jeepney drivers, refrained from plying their routes in protest over the spikes in fuel price, driven by the war in the Middle East.

In a statement released on Friday, March 27, Manila Public Information Office (PIO) Officer E-jhay Talagtag explained that the vehicles used in the initiative were Shacman disaster transport trucks provided by the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) purchased in 2023.

The trucks were designed and went through extensive customization for search and rescue operations and emergency response purposes.

"Ang mga ito ay matagal nang ginagamit sa iba’t ibang operasyon tuwing may kalamidad at kasalukuyang inilaan upang kahit papaano ay makatulong sa mga pasahero na apektado ng dalawang araw na tigil-pasada. Tinitiyak ng pamahalaang lungsod na ang mga sasakyang ito ay ligtas at maayos para magamit ng publiko (These have long been used in various operations during calamities and are currently being allocated to at least help passengers affected by the two-day traffic shutdown. The city government ensures that these vehicles are safe and in good condition for public use)," Talagtag said.

"Mariin din naming kinokondena ang anumang pagtatangkang magpakalat ng maling impormasyon na nagdudulot ng kalituhan sa gitna ng kasalukuyang krisis sa ating bansa. Hinihikayat ang lahat na maging mapanuri at tiyaking beripikado ang impormasyong ibinabahagi sa social media (We also strongly condemn any attempt to spread false information that causes confusion amid the current crisis in our country. We encourage everyone to be critical and ensure that the information shared on social media is verified)," he added, urging the public to monitor the PIO's official social media pages for official news and information.

Related Tags

MANILA CITY LIBRENG SAKAY TRANSPORT STRIKE METRO NEWS MIDDLE EAST WAR FUEL PRICE HIKE
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