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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LTFRB downplays transport strike, says measures in place to assist commuters

LTFRB downplays transport strike, says measures in place to assist commuters

Published Sep 15, 2025 01:17 pm
(LTFRB)
(LTFRB)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) downplayed the nationwide transport strike that will be carried out by two major groups in protest of what they described as massive corruption amid the ongoing investigation into the anomalous flood control projects.
In a statement, LTFRB chairman Teofilo E. Guadiz III assured that the national government has sufficient measures to ensure that commuters will not be affected by the transport strike.
“The planned transport strike on September 18 will not cripple public mobility. Government agencies are fully prepared to mitigate any inconvenience to the riding public,” said Guadiz.
The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) will hold the strike on Sept. 18 while Manibela was planning to start early on Sept. 17 until Sept. 19.
The two transport groups condemned the mismanagement and corruption involving taxpayers’ money, including those from the transport sector that have been complaining about high taxes on fuel.
Guadiz said coordination is being conducted with other government agencies that include the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and concerned local government units to minimize the impact of the strike.
“We recognize the right of transport groups to express their grievances. However, I want to assure our commuters that the government has prepared contingency measures to ensure that the riding public will not be stranded,” Guadiz said.
He said free rides will be deployed through government vehicles, military trucks, buses, and modernized public utility vehicles to fill any gaps in service.
Guadiz’s confidence that the strike will have minimal effect appeared to have stemmed from previous transport strikes, which he said, did not paralyze public transportation and even had minimal impact on passenger movement.
He is also banking on the non-participation of other major transport groups.
“The vast majority of jeepney operators and drivers want to continue serving the public and earning their livelihood. We are confident that enough units will remain on the road,” said Guadiz.
Aside from corruption, the two transport groups have been continuously opposing the implementation of the public transportation modernization. They said the slow pace of the modernization vindicated their earlier position that the modernization program is ill-conceived.
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