Libreng Sakay program is good but it should not just be a “ningas cogon”
The government started the Libreng Sakay program at the height of the pandemic in order to aid the transportation needs of healthcare workers.
It was indeed a very helpful program for healthcare workers. Aside from saving their money for transportation expenses, their travel was also made easy because they did not have to wait in long queues.
However, it was discontinued in December last year. The reason – no more budget. It was reported recently, that the government’s free ride program will return in November and this will be until December. This was stated in the Inquirer’s report published on October 9.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Teofilo Guadiz III said that a budget of P1.3 billion was released for the Libreng Sakay program. It was said that this will cover the National Capital Region, and not just along Edsa. Aside from Edsa Carousel, jeepneys will also join this time.
The announcement specifically mentioned that this will start in November and will run until December. So, does this mean that people can only avail this free ride program for two months?
There was no statement yet that this program will be continued until next year. Is this another case of ningas cogon?
Why can’t the government allot a budget to help not just the healthcare workers but also those who are commuting every day to work? A few pesos deducted for the transportation fare can help a lot for ordinary employees.
It is good news to know that Libreng Sakay is coming back but when it is going to last? It’s quite frustrating that this kind of helpful program is having inconsistency.
“Ang hinahabol namin ngayong November [at] December, yun po ang maagang pamaskong handog ng LTFRB,” Guadiz said. Is there no way that this program can last longer or even forever?
If it is impossible to cater to everyone in Libreng Sakay, at least, the government hopefully can provide this program for students.
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