- OVP to continue ‘Libreng Sakay’ despite rising fuel costs
DESPITE the steady climb of petroleum prices, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed that its Libreng Sakay (free ride) program will continue to operate to provide much-needed relief to Filipino commuters.
In an interview with Davao reporters on Saturday, March 14, Vice President Sara Duterte said there are no plans to suspend the initiative, noting its significant impact on the daily budgets of workers and students struggling with rising transportation costs.
“It will continue because that is a dedicated project of the Office of the Vice President. In fact, while watching the [program] presentation earlier, I was already thinking of more ways we can help people, especially in their daily commute,” Duterte said.
The vice president added that the government has a responsibility to launch programs that directly alleviate the burdens of the commuting public.
The Department of Energy cautioned the public to brace for another round of fuel increases next week, as the premium diesel pump is already nearing the P100 per liter mark in some gas stations in Davao City.
Motorists can expect a P12 per liter adjustment on gas and at least P15 per liter for diesel.
As of September 2025, the OVP reported that the program has already served approximately 2.5 million passengers across the country.
Currently, the “Libreng Sakay” initiative operates seven key routes in various strategic locations nationwide, utilizing a fleet designed to augment existing public transportation.
Data from the OVP suggests that the program remains a vital safety net for Filipinos looking to save on daily expenses as global oil volatility continues to affect local pump prices.
