MANILA, Philippines — A leader of jeepney drivers claimed that the transport strike yesterday was a success, paralyzing around 95 percent of the routes in Metro Manila.
The passenger jeepney drivers were protesting the phaseout of old commuter vehicles.
Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) president Mody Floranda said most drivers and operators supported the transport strike in the metropolis where an estimated three million commuters ride the jeepney every day.
Floranda appealed to the public for consideration, saying they are also fighting for the rights of commuters to a cheap and convenient transport system.
“We ask for the understanding of commuters, because if we do not act, time will come when there will be no more jeepneys and fares will be higher,” he said in Filipino.
He hopes that President Duterte would listen to their plea and junk the orders of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation on the guidelines of the modernization program.
The transport leader said they are still open to dialogue with the LTFRB but added that these should not be one-sided talks.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the nationwide transport strike held by various transport groups yesterday was generally peaceful.
“The nationwide transport strike remains peaceful and orderly with no untoward incidents,” PNP spokesman Brig. Ben. Bernard Banac said.
Banac lauded local government units, territorial police units and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for providing free transport services to stranded passengers.
The transport holiday was held by the Stop and Go Coalition, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide Piston and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO).
Militant groups Kilusang Mayo Uno and the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas also supported the striking jeepney drivers.
Banac said they will remain vigilant to prevent occurrence of crimes and will be ready to respond to emergencies.
Police trucks and buses provided by local government units in Metro Manila and nearby provinces were deployed yesterday to provide free transportation to stranded passengers.
Classes were suspended in most schools in Metro Manila, Pampanga and Iloilo City.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Guillerno Eleazar coordinated with the MMDA and deployed police trucks to assist stranded commuters.
Eleazar ordered police officials to deploy policemen on the streets to keep peace and order.
In Manila, local police officers from Station 11 used motorcycles to give free rides to commuters.
The Manila city government suspended only the classes of college students while classes from pre-school to senior high school were not suspended. – With Emmanuel Tupas, Non Alquitran, Mayen Jaymalin, Jose Rodel Clapano, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Edith Regalado, Gerry Lee Gorit, Roel Pareño, Ric Sapnu, Jennifer Rendon