The Manila City Government has increased the subsidy for drivers under its free ride program to ₱4,000, up from ₱3,500, following another hike in diesel prices on Tuesday.
The initiative is implemented under Executive Order No. 14, where the local government covers the daily earnings of participating drivers and operators while passengers are allowed to commute for free.
The program aims to support the transport sector as fuel prices continue to surge due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
According to Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, a total of 43,043 passengers have already benefited from the program, served by 1,043 active jeepneys as of 10 a.m. Tuesday.
“Makakaraos din po tayo, mga Batang Maynila mula sa krisis na ito. Sa ating pagtutulungan at pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa ay makakaalpas din tayo dito,” the mayor said in a social media post.