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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Malacañang lauds Manila for free jeepney rides amid fuel crisis

Malacañang lauds Manila for free jeepney rides amid fuel crisis

Published Mar 30, 2026 08:40 am
Malacañang Palace has praised the Manila City Government for subsidizing jeepney operations to provide free rides to commuters amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
In a press statement on Sunday, March 29, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto cited the city’s initiative as an example of solidarity during a period of rising oil prices and economic disruption.
FILE PHOTO: Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno
FILE PHOTO: Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso meets with Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos during a meeting on February 23. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
“We also note with appreciation the City of Manila’s enterprising and inspiring move to fully subsidize the operations of thousands of jeepneys so they can ferry passengers for free,” Recto said.
He added that such local interventions reflect the spirit of unity as the government seeks to cushion the impact of volatile fuel prices on ordinary Filipinos.
“These are examples of damayan that will help us ride out together the economic disruptions, not of our making, but are hitting us hard,” he said.
The statement came two days after Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso announced that the city government would shoulder the earnings of jeepney drivers, allowing participating units to offer free rides under Executive Order No. 14, series of 2026.
The program was unveiled on March 27 during Domagoso’s “Talk to the People” address following a meeting with leaders of 22 jeepney operators and drivers associations.
It operationalizes provisions of EO 14 aimed at providing economic assistance to the transport sector amid rising fuel costs.
Under the arrangement, the Manila City Government will subsidize the daily operations of participating jeepneys, ensuring guaranteed income for both drivers and operators while commuters ride for free.
“Hihiramin ko ’yung mga jeep at driver. Garantisadong bayad araw-araw. May kita ang operator, may kita ang driver. Tiyak na kita, kasiguruhan… at higit sa lahat, walang kailangang bayaran ang ating mga mananakay (I will take in the jeepneys and drivers. They are guaranteed daily pay. Operators and drivers will earn. Income is assured… and most importantly, commuters will not have to pay)," Domagoso said.
More than 1,400 jeepneys are expected to participate in the program, covering routes across Manila and nearby areas.
The city estimates that around 100,000 passengers could benefit daily.
The free ride initiative will initially run for five days over two weeks, Monday and Tuesday of the first week, and Monday to Wednesday of the following week, with a possible extension depending on available funds.
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