Commuters may enjoy free train rides on Independence Day

Filipino commuters may enjoy free train rides during the country’s Independence Day celebrations on June 12, an official familiar with the preparations said. Discussions between the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the National Historical Commission Inc. (NHCI) are being undertaken for the proposal, NHCI Executive Director Ludovico Badoy said. If approved, commuters may enjoy these free train rides on June 12 from 7 to 9 in the morning and from 5 to 7 in the afternoon at the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit, Badoy said. Providing free rides would help Filipinos attend ceremonies at the Luneta and return home, Badoy said. A jobs fair will be opened at the Luneta after the flag-raising ceremony on June 12, Badoy said. The country’s 112th Independence Day will carry the theme "Kalayaan, Tagumpay ng Bayan" (Freedom, Victory for the People), he added. A simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 7 a.m. It will be led by President Arroyo at the Luneta Park who will be assisted by local government officials. An 11-float civic-military parade is also being prepared for the afternoon of June 12, which in turn will feature President Arroyo’s achievements. The event will also recognize the contributions of Filipino icons such as boxer Manny Pacquiao, educator Efren Peñaflorida, and world billiards champion Efren "Bata" Reyes. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV