Petition launched vs MMDA bus terminals

MANILA, Philippines - The Coalition of Filipino Consumers (CFC) on Wednesday vowed to gather one million signatures of commuters affected by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) plan to install central bus terminals in Metro Manila.

Calling their campaign the "1 Million Cry of the Filipino Commuter",  the gathered signatures will be part of a petition addressed to President  Benigno Aquino III to urge him to suspend the implementation of Administrative Order no. 40. Signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

According to CFC, AO no. 40 directs the MMDA to establish interim bus terminals in the Metro as part of the planned integrated transport system.

The group vows to march to Malacañang  and present their petition before the President after 20 days, or on September 21, 2013.

CFC volunteers on Wednesday gathered at the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, Parañaque to start the signature drive.

In the next 20 days, the CFC said it would travel to various parts of the metropolis to gather signatures against the bus terminals from commuters.

Jason Luna, convenor of the CFC, an umbrella organization of five urban poor groups, says that commuters continue to suffer from the effects of the plan, especially those who use the Southwest Integrated Terminal at the Uniwide Coastal Mall.

"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 this terminal the entire day. And we feel the suffering of mothers, old men, kids and the disabled who have to walk long distances from the embarkation area to the place where they will ride transport entering Manila," said Luna.

“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 added.

Since the scheme was implemented a month ago, Luna said commuters continue to suffer from paying triple fares and are now being victimized by jeepneys and taxis which charge commuters double fares.

Commuters also continue to walk long distances just to reach the area designated for transport which will ferry them to their destinations in the Metro, Luna added.

Luna says that if Malacañang still refuses to hear their plea, a series of protest actions will be launched.