Manibela offers free rides on Christmas, New Year

MANILA, Philippines — As a holiday treat, a transport group is offering free rides to commuters on Christmas Day and New Year.

In a statement yesterday, Manibela president Mar Valbuena said they are giving free rides to “thank commuters for their support for our fight.”

Valbuena was referring to the transport group’s opposition to the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.

Members of Manibela nationwide will offer free rides tomorrow and on Jan. 1, 2025.

Valbuena said the free rides would start from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We will launch the free rides as a simple thank you of Manibela to help ease the expenses of passengers this holiday season,” he said.

Valbuena said “libreng sakay” signs would be displayed by the participating jeepneys.

On Dec. 20, President Marcos offered free rides on the Metro Rail Transit-3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, to help ease the financial burden of commuters during the holidays.