LTFRB probing  ‘Libreng Sakay’

CEBU, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) will summon public utility vehicle (PUV) operators in the “Libreng Sakay” program amid allegations that these units sometimes refuse to accommodate commuters.

LTFRB-7 director Eduardo Montealto said that if proven that these PUVs are not complying with their obligation to offer free commute to the riding public, then the agency will cancel their contract and prevent them from plying.

Some commuters recently aired their gripe on social media over these PUVs that allegedly refuse to accommodate them.

Others are saying that they are better off without the free ride because then the driver will work hard to pick up passengers.

Montealto has vowed to look into such reports, asking passengers who were ignored by the free ride units even if they were at the designated PUV stop to report to their office.

He, however, promised to give “due process” to all parties involved.

The LTFRB-7 chief also advised passengers to go and wait at designated PUV stops.

“Kun magpataka sila og hunong,  sila man pud ang madakpan,” he said.

Montealto said that for those would like to complain, it is best that they have information on the units such as plate number and a picture of it.

In Metro Cebu, up to 54 units have become part of the Libreng Sakay program, plying different routes.

Under the initiative, contracted units will provide free trips to commuters in exchange for a weekly monetary payment from the government based on the number of kilometers.

It can be recalled that the Libreng Sakay was first implemented in April to June 30 last year.

Then the second phase was last September 16 to December 2021 with a budget of P3 billion nationwide. Region 7 was allocated P300 million for the said period.

The allocation for the third phase is about P7 billion nationwide.

The initiative is part of the government recovery program under the Republic Act No. 11494 or the

Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.  – JMD (FREEMAN)