Comelec Clears Fuel Subsidy, 'Libreng Sakay' to Roll Through Barangay Election Period

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) request to exempt two of its flagship programs — the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles and the "Libreng Sakay" free ride initiative — from the ban on government spending during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) period.

The decision, announced Monday, September 21, 2026, clears the way for both programs to continue operating without interruption as the country heads into the campaign and election window, ensuring that transport workers and commuters alike are not caught in the crossfire of election-related spending restrictions.

Why the Exemption Matters

Under Comelec rules, government agencies are generally prohibited from disbursing public funds for programs and activities during the election period to prevent incumbents from using state resources for political advantage. The LTFRB, however, argued that the fuel subsidy and Libreng Sakay are essential public services — not political tools — and should be allowed to proceed.

The commission agreed, granting the exemption on the grounds that both programs directly affect the daily lives of commuters and transport operators.

"The fuel subsidy and Libreng Sakay are continuous programs that serve a public welfare purpose," the LTFRB said in its request, emphasizing that suspending them would disproportionately harm ordinary Filipinos who rely on public transportation.

A Lifeline for Drivers and Commuters

The fuel subsidy program provides financial assistance to qualified public utility vehicle drivers and operators, helping them cope with volatile oil prices. Without it, many jeepney, bus, and UV Express drivers would see their already-thin margins squeezed further, potentially forcing some off the road.

Libreng Sakay, meanwhile, offers free rides on select public transport routes — a program that gained widespread popularity during the pandemic and has since been retained in various forms. For commuters grappling with rising costs of living, the free rides represent a meaningful relief.

Comelec's exemption ensures both programs remain funded and operational throughout the BSKE period, which typically spans several weeks leading up to election day.

The Legal and Political Calculus

The Comelec's decision reflects a careful balancing act. On one hand, the commission must enforce strict rules against the misuse of public funds for partisan purposes. On the other, it must avoid inflicting collateral damage on essential services that have no connection to electoral politics.

By granting the exemption, Comelec signals that it distinguishes between programs that could be weaponized for political gain and those that are genuinely apolitical in nature. The LTFRB's programs fall into the latter category — they are ongoing, needs-based, and universally accessible.

The timing of the request is also notable. With the BSKE approaching, transport groups had warned that a suspension of the fuel subsidy could trigger protests or transport strikes, which would complicate the election atmosphere. By acting on the LTFRB's request, Comelec has likely preempted a potential source of instability.

Broader Implications for Election Governance

This is not the first time Comelec has had to rule on the fate of government programs during an election period. In past elections, similar questions have arisen over cash transfer programs, medical assistance, and infrastructure projects. Each case requires the commission to assess whether a program is being used as a de facto campaign tool or whether it serves a legitimate, ongoing public need.

The BSKE exemption could set a precedent for how Comelec handles similar requests in future elections, particularly as the country moves toward the 2028 national elections. It suggests that the commission is willing to adopt a pragmatic approach — one that upholds election integrity without sacrificing essential services.

What Comes Next

With the exemption secured, the LTFRB can now proceed with disbursing fuel subsidies and maintaining Libreng Sakay routes through the BSKE period. Transport groups have yet to issue a formal statement, but the decision is expected to be welcomed by drivers and commuters alike.

For now, the focus shifts to implementation. The LTFRB must ensure that the programs are administered transparently and without political interference — a task that will be closely watched by election watchdogs and the public.

As the barangay elections draw near, the Comelec's ruling serves as a reminder that even in the heat of political competition, the basic needs of ordinary Filipinos must not be set aside. The roads, after all, must remain open — for voters, for workers, and for the daily commute that binds the nation together.