Abalos: 7 major transport groups will not join Monday strike
At least seven major transport groups gave assurance that they will not join in the transport strike scheduled on Monday, Oct. 16 amid the government preparations to manage the adverse effects of the protest action.
With the commitment, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said he is confident that transport group Manibela will not be able to paralyze the transportation especially in Metro Manila.
The transport groups are composed of transport groups Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (Piston), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP).
“With this, I am very very sure sure there will be no paralysis of traffic. Of course, we will be working with the Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for assistance,” said Abalos.
He said transport groups which committed support to the government represent 95 percent of public transportation in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
Abalos also highlighted the preparations being done by various agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Office, Department of Transportation, and the police.
A multi-agency command center, he said, will be set up at the New MMDA Head Office in Pasig City to monitor the situation during the transport strike.
Vehicles are likewise prepositioned at strategic areas and are ready to be dispatched as necessary.