Manila LGU to shoulder jeepney drivers’ earnings to offer free rides
The Manila local government unit (LGU) will subsidize over 1,400 jeepney drivers with approximately P3,000 each per day, allowing them to provide free rides for commuters for five days as part of an economic assistance program amid rising fuel costs.
Based on available search results, there is no verified information about a Manila LGU program to subsidize jeepney drivers' earnings for free rides. The search results show different government initiatives but none matching the specific details provided. The Philippine national government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Transportation (DOTr), is implementing a nationwide fuel subsidy program providing one-time P5,000 fuel subsidies and P5,000 cash assistance to approximately 23,000 jeepney drivers in Metro Manila, distributed starting March 25, 2026. This program addresses rising fuel prices due to international tensions and has P2.5 billion allocated for over 245,000 drivers nationwide. Separately, there have been government-led "Libreng Sakay" (free ride) programs for commuters during transport strikes, using government vehicles on selected routes in Metro Manila, but these target passengers rather than providing subsidies to drivers. No sources mention Manila LGU specifically subsidizing jeepney drivers with P3,000 per day for five days to offer free rides. The search results do not confirm the existence of such a program under Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna or the Manila local government unit.
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