TRANSPORTATION Secretary Giovanni Lopez called on lawmakers to expand the government’s Service Contracting Program (SCP) or Libreng Sakay (free rides) to widen its reach and cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on commuters and the transport sector.
Lopez said allowing local government units (LGUs) to implement their own versions of the program would enable more public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, operators and passengers to benefit from government support.
“If we have Service Contracting or Libreng Sakay, we can mitigate the situation because we are addressing commuters while also sustaining the supply of transport by compensating operators and drivers,” Lopez said.
He added that empowering LGUs to roll out localized service contracting programs would complement national government efforts.
“If we can empower them, they can implement their own Libreng Sakay,” he said.
Apart from the SCP, Lopez said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is implementing other measures to ease the burden of high fuel costs. These include the Fuel Subsidy Program for PUV drivers and operators, as well as fare discounts in major rail lines.
The DOTr has maintained a 50 percent fare discount for passengers of MRT-3 and LRT-2, while toll discounts are being extended to Class 1, 2, and 3 PUVs.
Lopez also said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has reduced passenger service charges and navigation fees in airports it operates, benefiting both airlines and travelers.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority is implementing a “Piso Fees” scheme, lowering roll-on/roll-off terminal fees from P258 and P516 to P1 for Class 3 and 4 vehicles transporting agricultural goods.
The transport chief said these measures are intended to provide immediate relief to both commuters and transport operators as fuel prices remain volatile.