Willie Revillame offers free ride to commuters amid oil price hike

Willie Revillame is offering free transportation to commuters as fuel prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

The initiative was announced by the TV host himself during a recent episode of his game show “Wilyonaryo.” 

“Nag-ambag-ambagan kami. Bumili kami ng minibus, ipinapakundisyon lang po namin at nilagyan namin ng sticker na Wilyonaryo. Kapag nakita ninyo po yung Wilyonaryo, libreng sakay,” he said.

(We made contributions. We bought a minibus; it’s just being fixed, and we put a ‘Wilyonaryo’ sticker on it. When you see ‘Wilyonaryo,’ the ride is free.) 

Revillame added that he and his friends purchased six minibuses that will be used to provide free rides to commuters. 

Revillame also shared that he personally coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to secure the necessary permits for the operation of the vehicles. 

“Hopefully, baka po by next week magagamit na po yan at dadalhin po namin sa LTFRB. Magpapaalam kami para mabibigyan kami ng lisensya for that,” he said.

(Hopefully, by next week they can already be used, and we will bring them to the LTFRB. We will ask for permission so we can be given a license for that. ) 

“Dadaan kasi sa bus lane [ang Wilyonaryo minibus]. Hindi ka puwede sa labas ng bus lane, huhulihin ka. So, hihingi po kami [lisensya] at pupunta po ako sa secretary ng LTFRB at makikiusap,” he added. 

(The minibuses will pass through the bus lane. You can’t be outside the bus lane or you’ll be apprehended. So, we will request [a license], and I will go to the LTFRB secretary and talk with him.) 

The TV host stressed that the minibuses will be easily identifiable with a “Wilyonaryo Libreng Sakay” sticker. He also noted that the routes during rush hours will include Monumento in Caloocan, SM North EDSA in Quezon City, Starmall along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City, and Mall of Asia in Pasay City. 

“I think mga 21 o 23 yung mga maisasakay [ng bawat minibus]. Ako na ho ang bahala sa gasolina. Kami na ho ang bahala sa mga driver. Basta ‘yun po ang tulong ng programang Wilyonaryo sa ating mga kababayan,” he expressed. 

(I think each minibus can carry 21 to 23 passengers. I will take care of the fuel. We will take care of the drivers. This is the help that the Wilyonaryo program can give to our fellow Filipinos.) 

Revillame is not the first showbiz personality to extend help to commuters and drivers amid the oil price hike. 

Actor Donny Pangilinan and his father Anthony previously decided to lower the prices of diesel products at their family-owned fuel station in an effort to “support those who need it most in the community.” /ra