LGBTQIA+ advocates, allies welcome ‘inclusive’ free train rides

By Nash Villena, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
December 23, 2025

INCLUSIVITY. LGBTQIA+ advocates and allies welcomed the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s initiative to offer free MRT and LRT rides to the queer community, along with solo parents, on Monday (Dec. 22, 2025). (Photo Courtesy: Department of Transportation – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The LGBTQIA+ sector and its allies welcomed the recent step for inclusion by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) after its one-day free train ride offer to the queer community, along with solo parents, on Monday.

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, a part of the sector, took to Facebook to express his appreciation for the DOTr’s step to recognize the community in public spaces.

“Itong free LRT and MRT Ride for LGBTQIA+ is tantamount to the government recognizing us as an official sector. Na bahagi rin tayo ng lipunan gaya ng mga kababaihan, solo parents, estudyante, at mga senior citizen,” Cendaña said.

(These free LRT and MRT Rides for LGBTQIA+ people are tantamount to the Philippine government recognizing us as an official sector; that we are part of the society alongside women, solo parents, students, and senior citizens.)

“Sana hindi lang ang executive department ang kumilos, pero pati ang Kongreso na kilalanin na finally ang LGBTQIA+ community sa ilalim ng batas,” he added.

(Hopefully, it won’t be the executive department that would only  take action, but also the Congress, finally recognizing the LGBTQIA+ community under the law.)

In a program held at the MRT-3 Cubao station, Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma celebrated the initiative, marking it as a win toward the community’s recognition.

“We want to thank the national government of the Philippines, especially the DOTr, for prioritizing these kinds of events, especially championing the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Barcoma said.

PANTAY National Convener Anna Cubacub said they are looking forward to partnering with the transport department in the future to amplify the call for societal equality.

“For us, sa PANTAY, we welcome DOTr’s initiative talaga because it recognizes yung LGBTQIA+ Filipinos as a sector na nama-marginalize and alam natin na sa public transpo, sa everyday commute, talamak din yung nararanasan, hindi lang ng LGBTQIA+ Filipinos but also kababaihan na discrimination and we’re looking forward na maka-partner ang Department sa mas malawak na call for equality at pagkakapantay-pantay,” they said.

(For us, in PANTAY, we sincerely welcome the DOTr’s initiative because it recognizes LGBTQIA+ Filipinos as a sector that is marginalized, and in the context of public transportation, discrimination is frequent not only toward LGBTQIA+ Filipinos but also toward the women’s sector; we’re looking forward to having a partnership with the Department of Transportation for a more amplified call for equality.)

Appreciating the public feedback received from the initiative, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has affirmed the department’s commitment to supporting more inclusive measures.

“Maraming salamat po sa ating LGBTQIA+ community. Asahan ninyo po ang tuloy-tuloy na pagsusulong ng DOTr ng mas inklusibong transportasyon at ang patuloy na suporta namin sa mga miyembro ng LGBTQIA+” said Lopez.

(Thank you so much to our LGBTQIA+ community. Rest assured that the DOTr will continue to strive for a more inclusive transportation system, and our continued support to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.)

“Ang libreng sakay ngayong araw ay paraan ng ating pamahalaan upang kilalanin ang bawat sektor ng lipunan.”

(The free train ride today is the government’s way to recognize each sector of the Filipino society.)

The 12-day free train ride policy, dedicated to specific sectors each day, is in effect across MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 lines and will run from Dec. 14 until Christmas Day, Dec. 25, offering convenience to passengers this holiday season.