MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) considered the transport strike launched by Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) fails to paralyze transportation.
The three-day transportation strike initiated by jeepney drivers and operators did not result to paralyze the public transportation yesterday, Monday morning.
“Piston failed to paralyze the transportation on their first day of strike.” MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes said.
MMDA and Local Government Units (LGU) in Metro Manila deployed vehicles for stranded commuters. Buses, e-tricycles, coasters and vans were sent by the agency to the routes affected by the transport strike. These routes include: Tindalo-Project 2-Welcome Rotonda; Philcoa-Welcome Rotonda; Sucat-Baclaran; Alabang-Viaduct-San Pedro, Laguna; Mutinlupa Alabang-Zapote; Sta. Ana Hub and Delpan-Tejeros.
686 vehicles were on standby to give free rides yesterday, 66 vehicles were sent to areas needing transportation. A total number of 2,645 passengers rode the stated number of vehicles.
Affected areas include Metro Manila, Camarines Sur, Laguna, Bacolod, Iloilo, Naga and Legazpi cities in Bicol.
Some colleges and universities in the city announced that they would shift to online classes for up to three days during the transport strike, while the city government declared the continuous in-person classes on all levels from public schools.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, with LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, visited MMDA’s command center during the transportation strike. Duterte commended MDDA’s readiness. She upheld the decision not to suspend classes, stating MMDA did not recommend it.
“The general rule is that there will be no cancellation of classes during a transportation strike. The only exception is if the (LGUS) will declare the cancellation of classes, but the MMDA did not recommend the cancellation of classes.” Vice President Sara Duterte said.
Despite an initial warning that the transport strike would last until tomorrow, MMDA announced the implementation of the expanded number coding scheme from 7 a.m to 10 a.m and from 5 p.m and 8 p.m today.
However, Piston also claimed victory as 85 percent of major routes in Metro Manila were paralyzed on the first day of the transport strike yesterday.
Piston said its three-day transportation strike is ready, even following the short dialogue with Guadiz on the streets.
“Our protest action doesn’t stop today because it is not only us who will decide. The matter shall be laid down across regions. Our action will continue tomorrow (today, November 21) until November 22.” Piston national president Mody Floranda said.
Leave a Reply