With fuel prices surging anew, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso has once again raised the daily assistance for public utility drivers, bringing it to P4,000, as the Manila city government doubles down on its flagship free ride initiative.

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso announces the increase in daily assistance for drivers under the Libreng Pamasahe Program to P4,000, following the recent P18 hike in diesel prices. (Photos courtesy of Manila Public Information Office)

The latest increase follows an P18 jump in diesel prices this week, a development that prompted Manila City Hall to immediately adjust the subsidy under the Libreng Pamasahe Program.

The subsidy hike marks a steady increase in support from the city government -- from P3,000 at the program’s earlier stage, to P3,500, and now to P4,000 -- reflecting what officials described as a “responsive” approach to the unstable cost of petroleum.

But beyond aiding transport workers, the program’s impact is being felt most by commuters.

The Manila city government releases the updated routes for the Libreng Pamasahe Program, with over 1,000 jeepneys deployed to provide free rides to commuters across the city.

As of 9 p.m. on April 6, a total of 194,325 passengers have already benefited from the Libreng Pamasahe program since it resumed operations following the Holy Week pause.

Currently, 1,052 jeepneys are actively deployed across key routes in Manila, ferrying passengers free of charge as part of the city’s continuing mobility support program.

City officials said the initiative is designed to strike a balance: easing the burden on drivers grappling with rising fuel costs, while also extending relief to ordinary Manileños who face daily commuting expenses.

As global oil prices remain unpredictable, the Manila LGU’s expanded subsidy and sustained free ride operations highlight a broader effort to keep the city moving, ensuring that both livelihood and mobility are protected amid mounting economic pressures.