Malacañang praised the Manila City government for subsidizing jeepney operations to provide free rides to commuters amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
In a press statement on Sunday, March 29, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto cited Manila’s program as an example of solidarity during a period of rising oil prices and economic disruption.
“We also note with appreciation the City of Manila’s enterprising and inspiring move to fully subsidize the operations of thousands of jeepneys so they can ferry passengers for free,” Recto said.
Recto said such local interventions reflect the spirit of solidarity as the government moves to cushion the effects of volatile fuel prices on ordinary Filipinos.
“These are examples of damayan that will help us ride out together the economic disruptions, not of our making, but are hitting us hard,” he said.
The Palace statement came two days after Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso announced that the city government would shoulder the earnings of jeepney drivers so participating units could offer free rides to passengers under Executive Order No. 14, series of 2026.
The program was unveiled on March 27 during Domagoso’s “Talk to the People” address after a meeting with presidents of 22 Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations. It operationalizes Section 5 of EO 14, which provides economic assistance for the transport sector amid rising fuel costs.
Under the arrangement, the Manila City Government will subsidize the daily operations of participating jeepneys, guaranteeing income for both drivers and operators while allowing commuters to ride for free. Domagoso said drivers would receive about ₱3,000 per day depending on the type of unit.
“Hihiramin ko ’yung mga jeep at driver. Garantisadong bayad araw-araw. May kita ang operator, may kita ang driver. 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,” Domagoso said.
More than 1,400 jeepneys are expected to participate, covering routes across Manila and nearby areas, with the city estimating that about 100,000 passengers could be served daily.
The free ride initiative will initially run for five days over two weeks—Monday and Tuesday of the first week, and Monday to Wednesday of the following week—with possible extension depending on available funds.
