OWTO provides "Libreng Sakay" on Metro Manila GCQ day 1

Filipino-owned transport network company OWTO has offered free rides to commuters at the MRT North EDSA Station for the first day of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila.

Photo from OWTO

OWTO provides "Libreng Sakay" on Metro Manila GCQ day 1

OWTO said that the "Libreng Sakay" is a part of their continuing service to the Filipino people who were currently facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move also aims to give back and help our government ease the commuting woes of Metro Manila commuters, especially during Monday early-morning rush hour.

Our Libreng Sakay initiative today is just a prelude to more pro-commuter services that OWTO has to offer and give back to our people who were being confronted with the hardships of daily commuting in Metro Manila. As we intensify our services and care recovery programs for our riders in the coming days, we aim to advance the Filipino brand of genuine bayanihan values, said Joel Gayod, Chief Executive Officer of OWTO.

OWTO also revealed that it will start its "Zero Percent Commission" for its driver-partners. It is to help them rebuild their lives and livelihood after almost three months of being jobless because of the quarantine.

The company decided not to deduct commissions yet to their partners who were still waiting for the cash assistance and aid from the government.

OWTO also made an appeal to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to "reconsider" its program of selecting TNVS drivers who can start operating during the GCQ in Metro Manila.

Out of the 60,000 registered TNVS in the country, LTFRB only allowed 18,631 drivers to operate during the GCQ.

Gayod noted that drivers with provisional authorities and certificates of public compliance deserve to regain their source of income.

Source: OWTO