Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson wants the government to bring back its “Libreng Sakay” program, this time with public utility jeepneys, as Metro Manila reverts to Alert Level 3.
In a statement released Monday, Lacson said the proposal was in light of a directive from the Department of Transportation ordering the stricter implementation of health protocols in public transport.
Lacson first discussed the issue in Lipa City, Batangas in October 2021 with a group of jeepney drivers and operators, who said they had fewer passengers as commuters preferred buses offering free rides.
“Incorporating traditional jeepneys into the ‘Libreng Sakay’ program is possible since they have allocated a P5.58 billion budget to aid low-income families, including public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or the Bayanihan II,” said the statement.
