PNR stumped over where to get funding for ‘Libreng Sakay’ program

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) on Monday said it was stumped on where to get funding for diesel fuel once the government’s "Libreng Sakay" program for students starts next month.

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras”, the PNR management stood to lose P8 million to P9 monthly from the implementation of the program.

“Hindi katulad nila MRT na may guaranteed sila na subsidy galing sa gobyerno. Samantalang si PNR, tayo, ‘yung kinikita natin, pampasahod, pang-operational cost at saka mga pambili ng ating mga piyesa na mga outside sa General Appropriations Act,” PNR Assistant Manager Celeste Lauta said.

(We're not like the MRT which has a guaranteed subsidy from the government. The revenue of PNR is used to pay for employees’ wages, operational costs, and expenses for train parts — these are outside the allocations under the General Appropriations Act.)

The Transportation Department earlier announced it would continue the previous administration’s “Libreng Sakay Program” at the EDSA Bus Carousel until December 2022.

The agency also said rides on the PNR, MRT-3, and LRT-2 would be free for all students during the resumption of classes from August to November 2022.

The program, however, would only be available at selected hours.

“Baka mangyari kasi ‘yung mga estudyante natin kahit wala nang pasok eh, hindi pa uuwi,” Lawyer Hernando Cabrera, LRTA Spokesperson, said.

(Students might decide to stay out late even after their classes.)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board previously said it had released P1 billion for the implementation of the free ride program at the EDSA Bus Carousel from April to June 2022.

GMA News reached out to the newly-appointed DOTr officials for a statement on the matter but they have yet to respond as of posting time. — Sundy Mae Locus/DVM, GMA News