Despite changes in the program, with Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go expected to grace the event but canceled at the last minute, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) proceeded with the launch of its ‘Libreng Sakay’ Program from PITX to Naic, Cavite.
This marks the 8th bus launched under the OVP’s Libreng Sakay program and the 5th in Metro Manila. Other buses are operating in Davao, Cebu, and Bacolod City. The bus, which can accommodate 37 passengers, is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and comfortable seating with tables.
The service will operate from 5 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 9 PM, which are peak hours for commuters.
“Ang purpose po ng aming libreng sakay ay makatulong sa mga tao, lalo [sa] mga commuter na halos ‘yung pamasahe nila ay talagang beneficial para sa kanila, na maka-save din sila para sa kanilang pamilya,” Norman Baloro, Director for Operations of the Office of the Vice President, assured.
Commuters are expected to save significantly with the Libreng Sakay program, as the original ticket price for a trip from PITX to Naic typically ranges from PHP 90 to PHP 100.
The new route will serve passengers traveling from Naic and seven other nearby towns in the Province of Cavite to the central terminal in Parañaque City.
While the event proceeded smoothly, no explanation or announcement was given by the OVP on why the program did not proceed as planned, with Vice President Duterte initially expected to grace the event.
“’Di na mag-proceed si VP. I have no idea [as to why she will not proceed,” a source from the OVP told Manila Standard.
Baloro from the OVP commented on the situation, saying, “With regard po sa lakad ni VP Sara, meron po tayong official OVP scheduler na bahala doon.”
