Funds set aside for Libreng Sakay up to December, says DOTr chief

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has set aside the budget for the government’s free bus ride program up to December this year, Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief Jaime Bautista said Thursday.

“Meron na po tayong pondo. Nakapag-set aside na po ang Department of Budget [and Management],” he said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita.

(We already have funds. The DBM has already set aside the budget.)

Bautista made the statement when asked if there is enough budget for the coverage of EDSA Bus Carousel until December.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil earlier said they only have funds for the Libreng Sakay program up to September.

According to her, the LTFRB will ask for additional funds to extend the service until December.

Asked if the free bus ride program will be again extended beyond December 2022, Bautista said, “Sa ngayon po, ang Libreng Sakay up to December 31, 2022 lang po.”

(Right now, Libreng Sakay is up to December 31, 2022 only.)

Under the LIbreng Sakay program, the government hires buses to provide free rides to commuters. —KBK, GMA News