MANILA, Philippines — Commuters facing flooded roads and difficult travel conditions across Metro Manila can turn to government-provided “Libreng Sakay” services on Tuesday, August 18, as the southwest monsoon or Habagat continues to bring heavy rains over the capital.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with several government agencies, has deployed government vehicles to help stranded passengers get to their destinations safely amid flooding and disrupted public transportation.
The free rides are scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 18, with the possibility of an extension if weather and commuting conditions require it, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the operation was ordered to assist commuters affected by the intense rains, particularly those stranded in flood-hit areas.
“Prayoridad nating makapasok at makauwi sila nang ligtas.”
The DOTr said the initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Office of the President, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Department of Energy, Department of Labor and Employment, and Philippine Army.
14 free-ride routes across Metro Manila
The DOTr’s listed Libreng Sakay routes, operating in both directions, are:
- Quiapo ↔ Fairview
- Lawton ↔ PITX
- Divisoria ↔ Cubao via Nagtahan
- Baclaran ↔ Monumento via Taft
- Lawton ↔ Muntinlupa/Starmall
- Heritage ↔ Market! Market!
- Monumento ↔ PITX via the Busway
- Kalentong ↔ Pasig
- Buendia ↔ Makati Avenue
- Quiapo ↔ Commonwealth
- Marikina ↔ Cubao
- Sta. Mesa ↔ Quezon Avenue via Araneta
- Baclaran ↔ Sucat
- Divisoria ↔ Monumento
The routes and operating schedule were reported by PIA and independently carried by other major Philippine news organizations, including GMA News and News5.
Commuters should look for vehicles marked with “LIBRENG SAKAY” signage and should expect that actual travel times may vary depending on flooding, traffic and road conditions.
Why the free rides were deployed
The emergency transport assistance comes as Metro Manila reels from unusually heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon.
According to data cited by GMA News from the PAGASA Science Garden Station in Quezon City, 201.7 millimeters of rain fell over Metro Manila in just five hours on August 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Of that amount, 138 millimeters fell in only two hours, between noon and 2 p.m., contributing to rapid flooding across several areas.
The five-hour rainfall total was nearly half of the 455 millimeters recorded during Tropical Storm Ondoy’s 24-hour rainfall event in Metro Manila in 2009, underscoring the severity of the latest downpour.
As of Tuesday morning, Metro Manila remained under flood watch, with several roads and areas reporting flooding. Philstar reported that some portions of Quezon City were impassable to vehicles, while floodwaters in other parts of Manila, Pasay, Makati, Malabon, Taguig and Marikina had begun to subside in some locations.
PAGASA also continues to monitor the weather situation, with the agency reporting that Tropical Storm Maymay enhanced the Habagat, bringing heavy rains that triggered flooding and landslides in Luzon.
Commuters urged to prioritize safety
While the government has opened free transportation options, commuters are still advised to assess road and weather conditions before traveling.
Floodwaters can rise quickly, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. Roads that are passable in one area may become difficult or dangerous within a short period.
The MMDA has also advised the public to monitor real-time road and flooding conditions as authorities continue responding to affected areas.
For commuters who have no choice but to travel, the Libreng Sakay deployment provides an additional option as the government attempts to keep essential movement within Metro Manila going despite the continuing Habagat rains.
For the latest situation, commuters should check official DOTr, MMDA and PAGASA advisories before heading out, as routes and operating hours may change depending on weather and road conditions.
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