MANILA – A transport strike staged on Monday in opposition to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) deadline for the consolidation of traditional jeepneys as part of the public utility vehicle modernization program failed to paralyze public transportation operations in the National Capital Region, according to Don Artes, chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Artes noted some passenger buildup in various areas, which he described as typical Monday morning foot traffic.
“As of 11 a.m., based on our monitoring, there was no significant disruption of public transportation in Metro Manila. If the purpose of the strike was to paralyze public transportation, they failed,” Artes stated during a press briefing held at the MMDA office in Pasig City.
The transport strike was initiated by Manibela, led by Mar Valbuena, in response to the LTFRB’s December 31 deadline for jeepney consolidation. This move is a significant component of the public utility vehicle modernization program.
“Our government cannot be held hostage by threats of economic sabotage and inconvenience to the commuting public, especially when the demands are incorrect,” Artes emphasized. “It’s essential to remember that jeepney modernization is mandated by law, with more than 70 percent of jeepney operators already compliant with this legislation.”
To monitor developments, the MMDA established a multi-agency command center and prepositioned augmentation vehicles in strategic locations. Several local government units and government offices also provided free rides to affected commuters.
Prior to the strike, the “Magnificent 7” group of transport operators, which includes Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Stop and Go Transport Coalition, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), assured MMDA officials that they would not be joining the strike initiated by Manibela.
The LTFRB supported the MMDA’s statement and revealed that the first day of the Manibela-led transport strike had no significant nationwide impact. The LTFRB stated that this was due to the “implementation of contingency measures” by the government, including the deployment of free ride vehicles by the MMDA and local government units.
