DBM allots ₧1.285B to sustain DOTR’S ‘Libreng Sakay’ in 2023
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday said the national government has allotted P1.285 billion to sustain the “Libreng Sakay” program this year.
In a news statement, the DBM said the Department of Transportation’s (DOTR) Service Contracting program is well funded this year.
The Service Contracting program, which gives way to the continuation of the Libreng Sakay, provides free bus rides for the public, including the bus commuters along Edsa, according to the DBM.
“We understand the plight of our commuting public. And so President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. gave us a directive to do our part, and to exert our best to help ease their burden. The Service Contracting program, which funds Libreng Sakay is a big help,” DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
“Malaking tulong po ang tipidpasahe sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin. Whatever amount they save daily, they can reallocate to equally or more important needs such as budget for food, electricity, tuition, among others,” Pangandaman added.
The DBM explained that the Libreng Sakay is a joint program of the DOTR and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help commuters amid rising prices of commodities and services.
As of December 27, 2022, the LTFRB recorded a total of 164,966,373 passengers who have availed of the Libreng Sakay program along Edsa in the preceding year, according to the DBM.
Budget Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran explained that it is up to the DOTR to determine the scope and coverage of the service contracting program, including the Libreng Sakay.
“They have the option to spread or limit its coverage, based on the result of their study,” Libiran told reporters on Thursday.