September 13, 2025
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday encouraged the commuting public to take advantage of the newly revived “Love Bus,” the iconic 1970s transport service now modernized with a fleet of electric buses offering safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation.
“Kaya ngayon ay binubuhay ulit natin… Pero ngayon ay mas bago na hindi na kagaya ‘yung dati, ‘yung normal na bus. Ito mga electric na ito. At malaking tulong ito para pagbawas sa polusyon, para sa gastos ng krudo,” President Marcos said during the launching of the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” program at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex.
The President stressed that the Love Bus project is designed to ease the daily burdens of commuters in Metro Manila, from long waiting times to heavy traffic and air pollution.
“Kaya tangkilikin po ninyo ang ating bagong ‘Love Bus’ para makabawas sa pasahe at makapag-savings nang kaunti,” the President said.
“Mabawasan ang traffic, mabawasan ang pollution dahil nga electric at malaking tulong po ito para sa ating sitwasyon dito sa Metro Manila na kung minsan napakatagal maghintay bago dumating ang bus, napakabigat ng trapik, ang bagal-bagal ng takbo na binubugahan tayo ng exhaust ng mga bus. ‘Yan mababawasan na po lahat ‘yan,” the President added.
The new 20 electric bus fleet, plying various routes in the metro, offer free rides for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.
President Marcos said students will soon enjoy a 50-percent fare discount under the program.
As part of the launch, all rides will be free for everyone during the entire month of September.
The President recalled that the original Love Bus was launched during the term of his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, then governor of Metro Manila, as one of the first projects to make public transport more accessible and affordable.
The President, meanwhile, thanked the local government of Valenzuela for hosting the launch, citing the leadership of the Gatchalian family.
“Kaya naman napili namin dito sa Valenzuela dahil alam ko kung sino man ang lungsod na kayang pagandahin ito — na gawin itong programang ito, ito po ang ating mga magigiting na lider dito sa Valenzuela, mga Gatchalian,” the President said.
Present during the event were Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Valenzuela 1st District Representative Kenneth Ting Gatchalian, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian. | PND