MMDA says transport strike failed to paralyze capital; more protests planned
A TRANSPORT strike failed to paralyze Metro Manila on Monday, Philippine authorities said, even as drivers and operators threatened to extend the protest to five days.
“Based on our monitoring as of 11 a.m., there was no major disruption of public transportation in Metro Manila,” Metro Manila Development Authority Acting Chairman Romando S. Artes told a news briefing.
“If the purpose of the strike is to paralyze public transportation, they failed,” he said in mixed English and Filipino. “But if the purpose is to get attention, maybe they succeeded in that aspect. They got their airtime.”
Mr. Artes cited passenger buildup in some areas, which he said was usual Monday morning foot traffic.
“The government cannot be held hostage by threats of economic sabotage and inconvenience to the commuting public,” Mr. Artes said in a separate statement.
The Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) staged the two-day strike that started on Monday to protest the government’s impending public utility vehicle modernization program and alleged corruption at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The modernization plan seeks to replace diesel-powered traditional jeepneys with more environment-friendly vehicles.
“For now, we want to wage a strike for as long as we can, maybe up to five days,” Manibela Chairman Mar S. Valbuena said in a Facebook video.
LTFRB has set a year-end deadline for traditional jeepney franchise holders to consolidate their fleets or join existing cooperatives.
Mr. Valbuena said the government should not rush the program.
He said about 500 out of 785 routes in Metro Manila joined the strike. “They already canceled classes and deployed vehicles. Metro Manila is paralyzed. The strike will continue.”
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has downplayed the strike, saying 95% of the country’s transport groups nationwide would continue plying their routes. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
