MMDA downplays effects of transport strike in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines —  The nationwide transport strike on Monday had a minimal impact on public transportation operations in Metro Manila, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes.

Artes, in a press conference, pointed out that there was no significant disruption of public transportation in Metro Manila on the first day of the nationwide transport strike.

“Based on our monitoring, as of 11 a.m., there was no major disruption of public transportation in Metro Manila,” he said.

“Kung ang purpose ng strike ay i-paralyze ang public transportation, nabigo po sila. Pero kung ang purpose nila ay magpapansin, siguro nagtagumpay sila sa ganoong aspeto. Nabigyan siya ng airtime, na-interview siya,” the official added.

(If the purpose of the strike was to paralyze public transportation, it failed. But if their purpose is to attract attention, maybe they succeeded. They were given airtime.)

Indefinite strike

In a phone interview with INQUIRER.net, Valbuena said that the transport strike will continue indefinitely while a protest rally is set to be conducted on Tuesday in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board main office.

In an interview with Radyo 360 on Monday morning, Mar Valbuena, chairman of the transport group Manibela, which led the strike, said Metro Manila roads are like ghost towns due to the transport strike.

“Wala po kaming makitang tao sa lansangan…ibig sabihin po ay wala pong masakyan ang mga tao kaya hindi po sila lumabas,” he said.

(The streets are empty, which means commuters can’t get a ride and opt to stay home.

On free rides and class suspensions

He also questioned the local government authorities’ decision to suspend classes and provide free rides for commuters, suggesting that it reflects their concern about the potential impact of the strike.

“Kung talagang hindi sila natatakot…kung sinasabi nilang kakaunti po kami dapat hindi sila nagsususpinde para makita natin ‘yung totoong epekto [ng transport strike],” Valbuena said.

(If they don’t feel threatened and think we are just a minority, they shouldn’t have suspended classes to be able to see the real effect [of the transport strike].)

Artes, however, explained that the suspension of classes and free rides were offered to ensure that commuters would not face any inconvenience.

Aside from the transport strike, Manibela protested in Mendiola, where about 200 people and 50 vehicles joined.

Stop corruption

These two initiatives were done to urge the government to conduct a query on alleged corruption within transportation agencies and to suspend the deadline for the mandatory jeepney consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

gsg/abc