This is probably the last year for the Libreng Sakay Program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as it did not receive any allocation in the agency’s 2023 budget.
According to Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, the agency requested Php 12 billion for the service contracting program for 2023 but it was not included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP)
Budget Undersecretary for Media Affairs, Community Relations, and Internal Audit Goddes Libiran also confirmed the news, saying that it is a non-recurring program or a one-time expenditure item.
“It is not a regular program. Hence, similar to previous years, no funds were allocated for it under the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP),” Libiran said.
However, Pastor said they are already appealing for the service contracting program to be funded so that it can continue next year.
The “Libreng Sakay” program of the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) was launched in late 2020 under Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act to help commuters and those in the public transport sector affected by the pandemic.
Under this service contracting program, participating PUV operators and drivers will receive a one-time payout in addition to weekly payments which is based on the number of kilometers traveled.
