A jeepney driver in Sto. Tomas, Batangas received praise from netizens after a Facebook post about him offering free rides went viral on social media last Feb. 28.
“Kung sino man po makakasakay sa jeep na to’, hahanga din po kayo sa driver nito (Whoever rides this jeepney will also be impressed by the driver),” said netizen Carms Maricar Corona in her Facebook post.
Corona shared a photo of the jeepney driver named Como Iquin Jose, seen through the rearview mirror. Inside his jeepney, a note hangs for passengers to see, which reads, ” Exclusive Jeepney for all senior, PWDs, pregnant and honor students. Free Fare 100%. I will continue to share my blessings to others. Good vibes and God Bless. Happy rides po!”
To avail of the free ride, will passengers need to present anything to prove their being senior citizens or honor students, for example? Jose said no, because he is running it all based on an integrity and honesty system.
“No requirements, ang sa ‘kin honest na lang,” he said. “Kung may manloko man, di ko na problema yun.”
(I ask for no requirements, only honesty. Should there be anyone taking advantage, that is not my problem anymore.)
He added that what is important to him is doing his part in helping people. It is the passengers’ decision whether they will lie to him or be honest, to avail the free ride. In fact, the jeepney driver stated on the comments section that his gesture is his way of helping lessen commuters who cheat drivers, just because they do not have money.
“Kaya ko po ginawa para po wag na sila masanay mag 1,2 3, (I do this to reduce passengers who cheat drivers just because they don’t have money),” wrote Jose. He also said that giving free rides and being able to make passengers smile make him happy, among other things.
“Dito ako naging masaya hindi lang about sa kita o PERA kundi nakakapagbigay ngiti at saya saking mga pasahero,” said Jose. (I am happy doing this. It is not just about the income or money. I am able to make my passengers smile while giving them joy.)
“Yan ang patunay anoman ang sinimulan ko, yan ay ipagpapatuloy ko,” he added. (The proof is whatever I have started, I will continue doing.)
Jose also offers free rides to children of OFWs and teachers from time to time. JB
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