Group launches 1M signature drive vs transport terminal system

MANILA, Philippines - A consumers' group on Tuesday announced that is has started gathering one million signatures against the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) plan to centralize the bus terminal operations in the capital region.

Jason Luna, leader of the Coalition of Filipino Consumers (CFC), said that the one million signatures will be attached to a petition that they will submit to President Benigno Aquino III.

Luna said that in the petition, the group would ask Aquino to suspend the implementation of Administrative Order No. 40, which orders the MMDA to establish temporary bus terminals in the metropolis as part of the planned integrated transport system.

He said that the group will march to Malacañang to submit the petition personally to President Aquino on September 21.

“We appeal to the President---stop this foolish scheme and please be very attentive to the plight of the suffering masses. Order MMDA to re-study their plan and while doing so, revert to the old system which is more comfortable for commuters,” Luna said.

The group said that the commuters suffer the most from the new scheme.

Luna said that since it was implemented, commuters were forced to walk long distances to reach the terminals or take more than one rides to reach the terminals, which means additional burden on fares for the people.

“We are suffering every single day, and this administration does not feel our pain. We pay extra fares just because of this scheme. We are being affected by a more serious traffic gridlock because more vehicles flock to these terminals...," the group added.