The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) asks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt several of its programs from the election ban, including a fuel subsidy for public transport drivers and “Libreng Sakay” free rides for the EDSA busway. LTFRB acting chairperson Greg Pua submits a letter to Comelec on September 15 requesting the exemptions.
LTFRB says the programs are meant to address public transportation needs of commuters. In separate reporting, the board links the request to the suspension of a fuel discount amid the election ban covering the period around the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). While both reports describe the same request, they emphasize different parts of the LTFRB’s rationale—Inquirer.net highlights both the specific programs sought and the context of the ongoing restrictions on subsidy-related spending during the election period.
Overall, the outlets agree on the central point: LTFRB seeks a formal Comelec exemption so the affected transport-support programs can continue or be implemented despite the spending restrictions.
