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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Wa epek?' Government agencies say strike failed to paralyze public transportation

'Wa epek?' Government agencies say strike failed to paralyze public transportation

Published Apr 15, 2024 10:43 am

Government agencies said public transportation in Metro Manila and other areas were not paralyzed during the first day of the transport strike, adding that vehicles they placed on standby for free rides were not even used.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRCB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the flow of passengers going to their workplaces and back home were normal as there are sufficient public utility vehicles (PUVs).

“Rescue buses were prepositioned in case of a shortage of vehicles catering to passengers in key areas in Metro Manila due to the transport strike. But based on our monitoring, there was no need for the rescue buses to be utilized yet,” said Guadiz.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Don Artes said around 400 vehicles were placed on standby in at least nine areas where they were expecting vehicle shortage but said all of them were not used. 

“We would not just send our vehicles to transport commuters because we are also considering PUV drivers who did not join the strike. If we deploy our vehicles for free rides, then their income will certainly be affected,” said Artes.

He said that as early as in the morning rush hours, there was no need to deploy government vehicles for free rides.

Artes also revealed that even some of the members of the striking Piston and Manibela decided to ply their routes first in the morning before they joined the protest action.

This, he said, is proof that it is the jeepney drivers who suffer the brunt of the transport strike.

On the part of the Philippine National Police (PNP), its spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there was no reported untoward incident in any part of the country during the first day of the transport strike. 

“While all our mobility assets are ready to assist the commuters, we have not monitored any areas where they are needed,” said Fajardo.

Piston and Manibela have been protesting the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program, which they said, is anti-poor since it would phase out the traditional jeepneys and replace them with expensive modern jeepneys. 

They said jeepney drivers and operators would be compelled to avail of the modern jeepneys with expensive monthly amortization. 

The two groups are also urging the government to return the franchise to the traditional jeepneys and refrain from compelling operators to join a cooperative or corporation amid the looming consolidation deadline on April 30.

Piston, for its part, accused the PNP of harassing their members who joined the strike. 

Authorities said they will continuously monitor the transport strike until its last day on Tuesday. 

 

Related Tags

Transport strike
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