The Manila City government recorded over 28,000 commuters who benefitted from the first day of its "Libreng Sakay" program on Monday, March 30, aimed at providing the public with free rides while the city government subsidizes the daily earnings of participating jeepney drivers.

First announced by Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on March 27, the project was deliberately structured to deliver guaranteed benefits to jeepney operators, drivers, gas station workers, and the riding public in what he described as a comprehensive response to the economic pressures brought by the global oil crisis.

"Everyone will benefit from the initiative: Operators have guaranteed earnings through boundaries, and drivers have at least P1,000 worth of net earnings daily," Domagoso said in an interview.

Under the Libreng Sakay program, participating jeepney drivers will receive about P3,000 per day depending on the type of their unit from the city government, with 50 percent paid upfront before a driver's first trip and the remaining half to be released at the end of the shift.

"Jeepney drivers can just enjoy driving without being stressed on their earnings, as this setup gives them a level of assurance that they will bring home enough money for their families," Domagoso noted.

He said gas stations will also benefit from Manila's Libreng Sakay framework, as jeepneys are guaranteed to complete their routes regardless of passenger load, ensuring fuel purchases.

The mayor stressed that despite the program's P20 million cost, its impact on the public greatly justified the spending, noting that the move alleviates the daily transport anxiety of commuters who worry about how far they can stretch their own money amid the economic crisis.