Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Looking for a reason to explore Metro Manila without spending on train fare? On 12 June 2025, commuters can enjoy free train rides on both MRT-3 and LRT-2 in celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day.
Whether you are heading to work, planning a spontaneous city food trip, or simply want to be part of the national celebration, this is the perfect time to hop on a train. No payment is needed and no deductions will be made from your beep card balance.
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Philippinerailways | Wikimediacommons
You can take advantage of the free rides during two time slots:
7 AM to 9 AM
5 PM to 7 PM
These windows cover the morning and evening rush hours. The offer applies to all MRT-3 and LRT-2 stations, giving you plenty of flexibility when travelling across the metro.
This initiative comes from a government directive by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, aiming to ease the daily transport costs for Filipinos and encourage more people to participate in the Independence Day celebration.
While LRT-1 is not officially included in this announcement, it has participated in similar holiday programmes before. Make sure to watch out for updates from the Light Rail Manila Corporation or the Department of Transportation in case they join in.
PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr. | Wikimedia commons
Planning to take advantage of the free train rides? Here are some simple ways to turn your trip into a fun and budget-friendly day out:
Go on a food trip. Hop off at places like Cubao, Katipunan, or Legarda and explore local food spots and cafés.
Take a photo walk. Ride to Santolan or Taft Avenue and capture the everyday scenes of the city.
Visit museums or heritage spots. Plan a visit to the National Museum or Intramuros. These locations are not far from key LRT and MRT stations and are perfect for celebrating Independence Day.
Just remember that free rides often mean longer queues. If you want to avoid the crowd, try going early and manage your time well.
Also read: NAIA Is Getting a Major Upgrade With Facial Recognition E-Gates by 2025
Whether you are heading to the office or going on a spontaneous Manila adventure, the Libreng Sakay programme is a great way to save money and move freely across the city. It is a practical perk and a meaningful reminder of what freedom means.
For more updates on public transport news, holiday events, and travel inspiration, keep following our blog.
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Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
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