Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 16) — The group Manibela held a protest on Monday, the first day of the transport strike, to express its objection to the implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program and the alleged corrupt practices of transportation officials.
The chanting protesters held streamers that read “No to PUV phaseout,” while others carried placards calling for the resignation of transport officials in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office along East Avenue in Quezon City. The 20-minute picket caused heavy traffic in the area.
The Manibela protesters also trooped to Mendiola, Manila where they were blocked by anti-riot police and steel barricades.
Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena believes the transport strike is reasonable given the questionable implementation of the PUV modernization program.
“Ang kredibilidad po ng programang ito…kitang-kita na korupsyon lang ang implementasyon nito. At hindi po ang layunin nito ay ma-modernize ang pampublikong transportasyon,” he said.
[Translation: The credibility of this program, corruption is very evident in its implementation. It’s goal is not to modernize public transportation.]
Under the program, jeepney operators have until Dec. 31 to consolidate and form a corporation. Valbuena said more than 100,000 jeepney operators have yet to comply.
The group also wants Transportation Secretary Jaime Batista, and suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz to resign. The two officials have denied any involvement into the alleged “ruta for sale” scheme.
Local government units on Monday provided free rides to the public to assist commuters affected by the transportation strike.
The City of Manila announced it will deploy vehicles like e-trikes and police mobile units to help stranded commuters.
It said the following routes will be monitored for possible assistance:
-San Juan-Divisoria
-Blumentritt-Novaliches
-Nagtahan-Paco
-Divisoria-Cubao
-Morayta-Divisoria
-Balic Balic-Quiapo
Citing the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) task force Tigil Pasada, the LGU said San Juan-Divisoria and Balic Balic-Quiapo operators have said they will not be operating on the first day of the strike.
There are also free rides in Quezon City with the following routes:
-QC Hall-Cubao
-QC Hall-Litex / IBP Road
-Welcome Rotonda-Aurora Katipunan
-QC Hall-General Luis
-QC Hall-Mindanao Ave. via Visayas Ave.
-QC Hall-Gilmore
-QC Hall-C5 / Ortigas Ave. Ext.
-QC Hall-Muñoz
The city government also deployed e-trikes to the Philcoa-SM North/Trinoma route.
In Malabon City, vehicles like buses were deployed for affected commuters. Those who need assistance may contact the Malabon Command Center through 8-921-6009 /8-921-6029; 0942-372-9891/0919-062-5588; and 225687 /09178898657.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has said 95% of transport groups will not join the strike, assuring the public that no transportation paralysis would occur.
