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Recto lauds QC, Manila for 'Libreng Sakay' amid oil price surge
Recto lauds QC, Manila for 'Libreng Sakay' amid oil price surge
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto lauded the local governments of Quezon City and Manila for rolling out free ride programs to help commuters cope with rising fuel prices.
In a statement, Recto said the “Libreng Sakay” initiatives reflect strong local government support for national efforts to cushion the impact of the oil crisis.
The Palace official noted that Quezon City had already been offering free bus rides even before the recent oil price surge, and has since expanded the program.
“Cities, notably Quezon City, have deployed buses that offer free rides… and these… have now been expanded,” he said.
He also commended the City of Manila for fully subsidizing jeepney operations to provide free transportation.
“We also note with appreciation the City of Manila’s… move to fully subsidize the operations of thousands of jeepneys so they can ferry passengers for free,” Recto said.
On its first day, Manila’s program reportedly served around 28,000 commuters.
‘Damayan’ amid crisis
Recto said such initiatives demonstrate “damayan” or collective effort in addressing economic challenges brought about by global oil volatility.
“These are examples of damayan that will help us ride out together the economic disruptions… hitting us hard,” he said.
The Executive Secretary also thanked businesses that have chosen to defer price increases despite rising costs.
He described the move as “an act of solidarity with the public,” adding that it places “patriotism before profits.”
More tools vs rising fuel prices
Recto also acknowledged Congress for passing a law allowing the President to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products.
He said the measure provides an additional tool to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.
Call for wider action
Amid all this, Recto urged other local government units to adopt similar initiatives, alongside energy-saving measures already imposed across government offices.
Earlier, Recto said President Marcos has ordered strict energy and fuel conservation measures across the bureaucracy to help manage the ongoing crisis.
“United, we shall overcome this crisis,” he said.