Manibela refutes MMDA’s failed transport strike claim
MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Manibela on Monday called refuted Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes’ declaration that the nationwide transport strike had a minimal effect on public transportation operations in Metro Manila.
Artes said that as of 11 a.m. Monday, the strike had “no major disruption” in the public transport sector across the country.
“Sinungaling po siya (MMDA Artes) at t@nga. Kami po ang nasa labas nasa opisina lang siya, kami po ang nakakakita ng sitwasyon sa kalsada,” Manibela said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page.
(Artes is a liar and a fool. He’s just in his office while we were on the ground. We’re the ones seeing the traffic situation.)
“Unang una ano ang reason ng pagsuspinde nila ng pasok, ano ang reason ng pagkakaroon ng libre sakay despite na minamaliit po ang grupo namin?” it added.
Article continues after this advertisement(If our strike is ineffective, what could be their reason for suspending classes and mobilizing their assets for free rides?)
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In an earlier Facebook post, Manibela likewise questioned why many operators and drivers of modern jeepneys opted not to ply their routes.
“Maraming modern ang hindi bumiyahe ngayon, ano kaya yun nagkataon lang? O kaisa nadin po namin kayo?” the group said.
(Why is it that many modern jeepneys are not on the streets today? Does this mean their drivers and operators are one with us?)
Last October 9, Manibela said it would hold a nationwide strike to protest alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and oppose the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena, in an interview with Radyo 630, said Metro Manila roads were like ghost towns amid the transport strike.
Also, on Monday, Valbuena told INQUIRER.net that the strike will continue indefinitely, adding that the groups will protest in front of the LTFRB main office on Tuesday (October 17).
