The local government of Manila deployed on Tuesday morning, Jan. 16, 21 vehicles that will provide "Libreng Sakay” or free ride amid the nationwide transport strike.
The city government, Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO), the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), and the Manila Police District (MPD) will monitor various routes and provide free rides for commuters who will be affected.
The MPD said 20 electric tricycles (E-trikes) and a transport van were deployed to the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Ermita, Manila.
The transport strike was announced by Manibela President Mar Valbuena on Sunday, Jan. 14, which he described as a big protest march to call for a stop to the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the return of the canceled franchise of jeepney operators.
The protest march will be held from Quezon City to Mendiola in Manila. Around 15,000 people are expected to join the protest.
The local government assured the public that the city is ready to deploy vehicles during transport strikes.