Laguna Rolls Out Free Ride Program Amid Transport Strike, Fuel Price Surge

**** by: Edjun Mariposque

****

April 13, 2026

3–5 minutes

LAGUNA, Philippines — April 13, 2026 — The Provincial Government of Laguna, under the leadership of Sol Aragones, has launched a Free Ride (Libreng Sakay) Program to cushion the impact of an ongoing transport strike and the continued rise in petroleum prices.

The initiative, which officially began today, aims to ensure uninterrupted mobility for commuters across the province while public transport operations remain limited. Governor Aragones emphasized that the program is designed to ease the burden on both passengers and transport workers affected by the oil crisis.

In a show of solidarity, several transport groups and private companies quickly followed the provincial government’s lead by providing additional support, including shuttle services for employees to maintain business continuity.

On key routes such as Santa Cruz and Lumban, jeepney drivers and operators implemented a rotation system, allowing only five units to operate daily, with another set scheduled on alternate days.

Transport groups described this as a coordinated effort to sustain limited operations, reduce fuel consumption, and avoid a complete transport shutdown.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reiterated warnings that participation in the transport strike could result in penalties, including the cancellation of franchises.

To bridge the transportation gap, the provincial government deployed shuttle services along major routes, covering areas such as Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Majayjay, Liliw, Magdalena, Famy, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban, and Pagsanjan. Key pickup points include Olivarez Los Baños, Bay Arch, Bay District Hospital, Victoria Itik Park, Pila Junction, Pagsawitan, and the Santa Cruz Municipal Hall.

Local government units and community groups also stepped in, offering free rides to affected residents in areas such as Duhat, Pagsawitan, Oogong, Pagsanjan, Magdalena, Santa Cruz, Liliw, Biñan, and Majayjay.

The coordinated response between the provincial government, transport sector, local communities, and private firms aims to keep people moving and minimize economic disruption as fuel prices continue to climb.

The Libreng Sakay Program will remain in effect until Wednesday.

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