House pushes for retention of fuel subsidy, free ride funds in 2023 budget

MANILA: House Speaker Martin Romualdez revealed that the House of Representatives seeks to retain the funds allocated for fuel subsidy and the Libreng Sakay program of the Department of Transportation.

The House of Representatives has proposed to allocate P25 billion for the Pantawid Pasada Fuel Program and P2 billion for Libreng Sakay.

According to Romualdez, these programs are part of the pro-people provisions of the national budget as they are considered as necessities for Filipinos.

He claimed that the fuel subsidy program is very beneficial to drivers and operators as oil prices continue to rise.

On the other hand, the Libreng Sakay program has been of big help to commuters who do not earn enough for their families.

The Libreng Sakay program of the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board was launched in 2020 under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. It was retained until 2022.

Ako Bicol Partlist Representaive and House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co also aims to promote the daily use of bicycles as it not only reduces the number of vehicles on the road, but also helps improve physical health.

Photo from Department of Transportation

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