Although the Internet has made it easier to buy all sorts of things these days, it is also being used by many scammers and criminals. Even the transportation sector is not safe, as there are fake pages that have been offering “free transport cards” on social media.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has posted a warning to the public, cautioning them against bogus Facebook accounts that are pretending to be online channels for the DOTr and the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 (MRT-3), respectively. Apparently, these pages have been spreading false advertisements on the social network.

DOTr Against Fake FB Page Giving Free Transport Cards
Through an official announcement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) warns the public about engaging or transacting with the “Transportation in Manila” Facebook page. The page is reportedly giving away “free transport cards” for a whole year, as part of the DOTr’s 126th anniversary celebration.
“In honor of DOTR’s 126th anniversary, we are giving away free transport cards for a whole year! You have only 3 days to get yours — click ‘Apply Now’ and travel for free for a year,” according to a post by the bogus Facebook page.
In another post, the page says: “DOTr is celebrating its 126th anniversary and offering the chance to receive a free transport card for one year! The offer is valid for only 3 days. Click ‘Apply Now’ and enjoy free travel for an entire year.”
These posts are accompanied by a picture of MRT-3 trains, featuring the copied logo of “beep,” a contactless smart card used in paying rail-based transportation fares in Metro Manila, along with the supposed price of the card (PHP 168).
Through its official Facebook page, the DOTr has clarified that the page, “Transportation in Manila” is fake. Furthermore, the agency clarified that it is not giving away free “beep” cards as part of its anniversary celebration. The DOTr cautions everyone against entertaining this page, and to “mass report” it to stop its actions.
Notably, a comment on DOTr’s Facebook post mentions that there’s another page, “Transportation in Metro Manila,” that has also been spreading false information about a free travel card.
True enough, we went to the said Facebook page and found a post that says: “MRT is pleased to present you with a unique opportunity — an annual pass for only PHP 168! With this pass, you become not just a ticket holder but a key to endless travel possibilities in Manila. Enjoy freedom of movement, convenience, and savings with MRT!”

In response, the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 (MRT-3) management posted an advisory, warning the public against “Transport for Manila” and “Transportation in Metro Manila” Facebook pages.
These pages have been using the MRT-3 logo without permission, announcing that the railway line is giving away free transport cards.
The MRT-3 calls on the public to be vigilant, reminding everyone to always verify the authenticity of all advertisements by checking with official social media channels. It has also issued a warning against the unauthorized use of its name, logo, and images, stating that it intends to take appropriate legal action when necessary.
Bottom Line
Come to think of it, paying PHP 168 for a supposedly “free” transportation card sounds downright suspicious and too good to be true. If you’re a regular commuter, do not be enticed by such claims, and be sure to verify information through official channels.
When it comes to transport-related scams and traffic violations, you can contact the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to make a report or complaint. Check out this article for more details about the agency’s 24-hour hotline number.