Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 22) – The government’s “libreng sakay” (free ride) program is not enough to fill in the gap of public utility vehicles (PUV) on strike with the number of commuters on streets waiting for transportation, a group said Wednesday.
The “libreng sakay” program is the government’s countermeasure to the three-day transportation strike of protesters against the jeepney franchise consolidation.
The Transportation Department, however, said that the “tigil pasada” did not succeed, and that the situation was practically normal in most areas.
In an interview, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said its department is used to the transport strike conducted by Manibela.
“Makikita nyo naman na dahil sa ginawang paghahanda ng ating gobyerno ay hindi naman masyadong naapektuhan ang ating mga mananakay,” Bautista said.
“Yung sinasabing strike ng Manibela, tingin namin ay pareho lang yan nung unang dalawang strike na halos wala namang sumama,” he added.
[Translation: As you can see, because of the government’s preparation, our commuters were not too affected. We think that the strike that Manibela is referring to is just like the first two strikes that almost nobody joined.]
Manibela posted a video on Facebook of commuters occupying a lane of Dr. Santos Ave. in Parañaque City to show the lack of PUVs.
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