SAN JOSE, Antique – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Antique asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to extend the “Libre Sakay” program up to December 2021.
“Libre Sakay” is a Service Contracting Program (SCP) under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) to help the transport sector reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.
It is open to drivers of modernized jeeps, traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and passenger buses that are plying active routes.
Passengers do not have to pay fare. In Memorandum Circular No. 2021-029, drivers and/or operators of modern PUJs receive from the national government a subsidy of P52.50 per kilometer while those of provincial modernized jeepneys, P82.50.
To determine their travel length, Global Positioning System (GPS)-capable mobile phones are attached to their vehicles.
Last week, the Antique SP approved the proposed resolution introduced by Provincial Board member Victor Condez, chairman of the Committee on Transportation calling for the program’s extension because this is beneficial not only to drivers but also to commuters.
Condez urged DOTr and LTFRB to also include in the program the L300 vans.
“Libre Sakay” is set to end this June 30.
However, the program may be extended, according to Director Richard Osmeña of LTFRB./PN
