SONA: BBM highlights launching of ‘Love Bus’ in Cebu

Local

CEBU is among the first cities to benefit from the revival of the iconic “Love Bus,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, as he also cited the city as a model for encouraging car-free, pedestrian-friendly public spaces.

Marcos said the government will reintroduce the Love Bus, a beloved public utility vehicle first launched in the 1970s, as a free transport service, with Cebu and Davao selected as the first pilot sites.

The move forms part of the administration’s push to promote accessible and sustainable urban mobility through the Build Better More infrastructure program.

“Ngayon, hindi lang natin ibabalik ang Love Bus, ito ay gagawin pa nating libre,” the president said. “Pauna pa lamang 'yung sa Davao at sa Cebu. Susundan pa ito sa iba pang lugar sa Visayas at Mindanao."

While Marcos gave no further details, transport observers in Cebu believe the president may have been referring to the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) recently launched “Libreng Sakay” program, which began this month along Cebu City’s busy 01K route from Parkmall to Urgello.

The program offers free rides to commuters on 115 modern jeepney units during peak hours, with daily subsidies of P350,000 and a dedicated annual budget of around P150 to P160 million.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon described the program as a form of “tulong from our president to the people of Cebu” and said the agency plans to expand it to other routes and cities, including Davao.

However, the implementation in Cebu has faced criticism.

The Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperative (FCTC) formally opposed the route-limited rollout, calling it unfair and unsustainable.

The group warned that focusing government subsidies on a single corridor could create financial strain and resentment among other operators and routes not included in the program.

Despite concerns from operators, the presence of free rides in one of Cebu City’s most congested areas has been well-received by commuters.

If the program evolves into a broader system resembling the classic Love Bus, complete with designated stops, regular intervals, and wider coverage, it may reflect the president’s vision for structured and people-centered mass transport outside Metro Manila.

Car-free roads

Marcos praises Cebu for Car-Free Sundays

Beyond public transport, Marcos also praised Cebu for promoting Car-Free Sundays, highlighting the city as one of the few already implementing measures that prioritize people over vehicles.

He urged local government units across the country to replicate such programs to promote community wellness, active living, and urban sustainability.

“Magpatupad tayo ng mga Car-Free Sundays, tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila, sa Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, at Davao,” he said, encouraging local leaders to organize weekend wellness activities such as fun runs, Zumba, and community sports in temporarily car-free areas.

In Cebu City, Car-Free Sundays have been observed along I.T. Park and Cebu Business Park, where roads are closed to traffic to give space for joggers, cyclists, families, and fitness groups.

The initiative has gained public support and has been seen as a small but meaningful step toward reclaiming public spaces from vehicle dominance.

Other announcements

During his address, Marcos also announced a sweeping audit of flood control projects, many of which he described as failed, substandard, or imaginary.

He ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to submit a list of all such projects from the last three years and said these would be reviewed by regional monitoring committees and opened to the public for feedback.

“Kitang-kita ko na maraming proyekto para sa flood control ay palpak at gumuho. Yung iba ay guni-guni lang,” Marcos said, warning that criminal charges will be filed against those involved in corruption.

He also confirmed that P20-per-kilo rice is already being sold in pilot areas, including Cebu, through Kadiwa stores.

With a P113-billion allocation for the Department of Agriculture, the program aims to help consumers while protecting farmers.

In education, the president said more than 22,000 classrooms have been built, with 40,000 more planned.

Teachers now receive laptops, overtime pay, and reduced clerical duties. He also cited the expansion of the ARAL learning recovery and school nutrition programs.

On the health front, Marcos said PhilHealth now covers outpatient services, dialysis, cancer care, and transplant medication.

Every town now reportedly has at least one public doctor, and dozens of outpatient centers have opened under the BUCAS program.

He noted progress in digital governance, reporting nearly 19,000 active public Wi-Fi sites nationwide and expanding eGov app services for driver’s licenses, IDs, health services, and more.

He also claimed major gains in peace and order, including the dismantling of guerrilla fronts and the arrest of over 150,000 drug suspects, including nearly 700 government workers.(MyTVCebu)