Transport Co-ops Apprehensive Over “Love Bus”, “Libre Sakay”
COOP-NATCCO Partylist Representative Filemon Espares on July 29 brought together co-op leaders of transport and credit cooperatives from all over the country to meet with officials of the Credit Information Corporation, Land Transport Franchising & Regulatory Board, and the Philippine Coconut Authority “to link co-ops with government agencies and ensure coordination for policy-making. Here is the result of the meeting with the LTFRB.
QUEZON CITY – Transport cooperative leaders have expressed apprehension over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address before the House of Representatives on July 28, stating that his administration will revive the “Love Bus” program and expand “Libreng Sakay” (free rides) for stranded commuters, particularly during rush hours and inclement weather. While the announcement drew applause from the audience, cooperative leaders raised concerns about its implications for their operations.
Less than 24 hours later, COOP-NATCCO Party-list Representative Felimon Espares met with cooperative leaders from across the country to discuss policy issues affecting transport and other cooperative sectors. The meeting, held at the Philippine Coconut Authority boardroom, gathered dozens of transport service cooperative representatives, along with Atty. Zona Russet M. Tamayo, LTFRB NCR Director, and other transport officials.
During the discussions, transport cooperatives appealed to the government and local authorities to prioritize contracting registered transport cooperatives—not private entities—when providing free rides to commuters. They emphasized that many cooperatives are currently repaying loans to acquire modern public utility vehicles (PUVs), and losing paying passengers to free ride programs threatens their revenue streams and long-term sustainability.
Among the other key issues raised by transport service cooperatives were:
Access to Financing – They highlighted the need for improved government financing facilities for acquiring modern jeepneys to comply with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Unequal Enforcement Against “Colorum” Operators – Cooperative leaders expressed frustration that registered transport service operators face stricter regulations and penalties compared to unregistered or “colorum” PUV operators, who they say continue to operate with minimal enforcement action. They called for a stronger crackdown on unregistered vehicles before imposing further burdens on compliant cooperatives.
Mandatory Drug Testing – While supportive of mandatory drug testing for drivers, cooperatives noted policy inconsistencies between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the LTFRB. LTFRB guidelines allow suspension of drivers without pay pending test results, while DOLE requires that salaries continue until confirmatory tests are concluded. Cooperatives also appealed for government subsidies to help cover the high cost of drug testing.
Anti-“Sardinas” Policy – The policy preventing passenger overloading, dubbed “anti-sardinas,” was described as too restrictive. Cooperative leaders argued that vehicles should be allowed to maximize capacity without compromising passenger safety.
Incomplete Route Planning – Many cooperatives struggle to access financing because financial institutions require confirmed route allocations for loan applications. They urged the LTFRB to expedite finalizing route plans, especially in Metro Manila, where delays have hindered loan approvals and modernization efforts.
Route Overlaps with Buses – Some cooperatives complained that buses are increasingly encroaching on their assigned routes, negatively impacting their operations and profitability.
COOP-NATCCO Party-list reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue between transport cooperatives and government agencies to ensure that policies are fair, supportive of modernization, and considerate of cooperative members’ livelihoods.
The Love Bus program was introduced in the mid-1970s to modernize Metro Manila’s public transportation system. Operated by the Metro Manila Transit Corporation (MMTC), the program featured blue air-conditioned buses that offered comfortable and reliable rides across key city routes, a stark contrast to the non-airconditioned jeepneys and buses of the era. It was also notable for introducing innovations such as designated bus stops, fixed schedules, and uniformed female conductors—a novelty at the time. The Love Bus quickly became a symbol of modern, orderly mass transport in the metropolis before gradually declining in the 1990s due to operational challenges, rising costs, and increased competition from private operators.
