Manila, Aug. 18 -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has deployed 43 government vehicle assets to provide free rides to stranded commuters as heavy rains and flooding continue to affect major roads in Metro Manila.

In a statement Tuesday, acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the free ride program will run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and may be extended if necessary.

"Ide-deploy ang 43 vehicle assets ng pamahalaan para alalayan ang ating mga komyuter na na-stranded. Kasama natin ang iba't ibang government agencies sa pagbibigay ng libreng sakay sa mga pasahero na apektado ng matinding pag-ulan. Prayoridad nating makapasok at makauwi sila nang ligtas (The 43 government vehicle assets will be deployed to assist our stranded commuters...