The Manila city government will cover the daily earnings of jeepney drivers to allow selected units to provide free rides, Isko Moreno Domagoso said Friday, as fuel prices continue to affect the transport sector.
The measure falls under Executive Order No. 14, series of 2026, which includes economic assistance for public utility drivers facing rising operating costs. The program was announced following a meeting with leaders of 22 Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations.
Under the arrangement, participating jeepneys will operate without collecting fares, while drivers and operators receive a fixed daily income from the city government. Moreno said drivers could receive around ₱3,000 per day, depending on the unit, replacing earnings that have declined in recent weeks.
“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.
City officials expect more than 1,400 jeepneys to join the program, covering routes within Manila and nearby areas. The initiative could serve up to 100,000 passengers daily.
Transport groups have reported that some drivers now take home as little as ₱200 to ₱500 per day due to continued fuel price increases, raising concerns about sustainability.
Moreno said the program was developed within 48 hours as a short-term response to the impact of the global oil crisis. He described the effort as temporary support while broader measures remain under the national government.
The program will run for five days over two weeks, scheduled on Monday and Tuesday of the first week, and Monday to Wednesday of the following week. Officials said it may be extended depending on available funds.
