2 months ago
27
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Some of the 1,400 public utility jeepneys operating under Manila City Government's "Libreng Sakay" program as photographed on March 30, 2026.
The STAR / Edd Gumban
MANILA, Philippines — The government, through the Department of Transportation, will implement a service contracting program for jeepneys, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.
In a video message on Thursday, April 9, Marcos said the government will pay public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers at rates starting from P40 to P100 per kilometer.
The program will be implemented starting April 15.
This payment is on top of the regular fare collections they receive from passengers, according to Marcos.
“Dagdag ito sa kanilang kita mula sa pamasahe,” Marcos said.
(This is an addition to their income from fares.)
The program aims to cover approximately 50,000 PUVs and 1,000 operators nationwide, benefiting an estimated 15 million passengers.
To ensure reliability, Marcos noted that the program will be implemented during off-peak hours so commuters still have available transport outside of the usual rush hour.
All participating vehicles will be equipped with GPS monitoring to track actual trips and ensure quality service.
Fare Discounts and fuel subsidies. Commuters are also set to benefit directly, with at least a 20% discount on fares for those traveling along the covered routes.
The routes will prioritize areas connected to trains and major bus lines to ensure a faster and more reliable commute.
Beyond service contracting, the President announced a significant fuel subsidy of P10.00 per liter for PUVs. The subsidy is capped at 150 liters per week for three months.
The fuel support will begin in the National Capital Region next week, starting with Commonwealth Avenue.
It will eventually expand to other major thoroughfares, including Quezon Avenue, España, Zapote, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway, before a full nationwide rollout.
Since the start of Middle East tensions in February, oil prices have soared due to scarce supply, with some petroleum products reaching more than P130 per liter.
The highest of all petroleum products is diesel, which PUV drivers often use.
Due to this, some PUV drivers have stopped plying routes, as they barely keep up with expenses amid rising oil prices.
