MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Manila City has increased the daily subsidy for drivers participating in its “Libreng Sakay” free-ride program to ₱4,000 as diesel prices continue climbing, officials announced Tuesday.
The enhanced subsidy is designed to help jeepney drivers cope with escalating fuel costs that have squeezed income for transport workers and made operations more challenging. The city’s move comes amid widespread concern over rising petroleum prices, which have pushed pump prices higher in recent weeks.
Under the service contracting initiative, selected jeepney drivers receive guaranteed daily compensation from the city government in exchange for offering free rides along designated routes. The program aims to provide commuters relief from rising transport costs while ensuring participating drivers still earn despite not collecting fares.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has emphasized that the subsidy boost is part of broader efforts to support both commuters and transport workers amid economic pressures. Manila’s “Libreng Sakay” initiative now covers more drivers and routes, expanding accessibility across key city areas.
The subsidy increase comes as local and national authorities continue exploring additional measures to support public utility vehicle drivers affected by global fuel market instability, which has also prompted cash aid programs and fuel assistance in other cities.
City officials say they will continue monitoring fuel prices and transport sector conditions to determine if further adjustments are needed to sustain the program and ease the burden on drivers and commuters alike.