MANILA – The Manila City government will hire more than 1,400 jeepney drivers under its “Libreng Sakay” or free ride program, Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso announced Friday.

Domagoso made the announcement after meeting with 22 Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations (JODAs), saying the initiative is part of the city’s implementation of Section 5 of Executive Order 14, which mandates economic support for the transport sector amid rising fuel costs.

Under the service contracting program, the city government will subsidize the daily operations of participating jeepneys while offering passengers free rides. Drivers are expected to earn around P3,000 per day, depending on the type of vehicle.

“Hihiramin ko ‘yung mga jeep at driver. Garantisadong bayad araw-araw. May kita ang operator, may kita ang driver,” Domagoso said.
(I will borrow the jeeps and drivers. They will be paid everyday and that would provide earnings for both the drivers and operators.)

“Tiyak na kita, kasiguruhan. May kita ang gasolinahan at mga nagnenegosyo sa Maynila, at higit sa lahat, walang kailangang bayaran ang ating mga mananakay kapag ang jeep na sasakyan nila ay kasapi ng programa ng Lungsod ng Maynila,” he added.
(They will have guaranteed earnings. It will also ensure gas stations will have their profits and passengers can ride jeepneys for free.)

More than 1,400 jeepneys are expected to participate, covering routes across Manila City and nearby areas. The program is projected to benefit around 100,000 passengers daily.

The free ride service will initially run for five days over two weeks: Monday and Tuesday of the first week, and Monday to Wednesday of the following week. Officials said the program could be extended depending on available funds.