Transport strike to push through Monday

The Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers on Saturday said its planned transport strike would push through on Monday.

MANIBELA president Mar Valbuena said the strike is in protest over the deadline for the consolidation of traditional jeepney franchise holders for Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program set on 31 December this year.

Under the program, jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives under the PUV modernization program, which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles powered by more environment-friendly fuels until 31 December this year.

'We are continuously pressed with the deadline for our provisional authority," Valbuena said.

He added that thousands of jeepney drivers will join the strike, as well as drivers of UV Express, taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Service.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Procopio Lipana on the other hand downplayed the effect of MANIBELA — called transport strike and said the agency will not give free ride service unless there is a demand for it.

"We won't field vehicles giving free rides unless there is a demand because if we field service units, those who will not join the transport strike will be affected. It looks like MANIBELA is the only group that will conduct the strike. The transport groups belonging to the Magnificent 7 said they would not join it," Lipana said.

The Philippine National Police meanwhile, offered to give "libreng sakay (free ride)" to affected commuters on Monday.

'QC to the rescue'

The Quezon City government also said over the weekend it would also offer free rides to commuters via its Q City Bus service on Monday.

The local government unit said it would deploy additional Q City Bus units in Routes 4, 6, and 7 to service passengers who may be affected by the planned transport strike of some groups.

Route 4 is from QC Hall to General Luis. Route 6 is from Quezon City Hall to Gilmore, while Route 7 is from Quezon City Hall to C5 Road and Ortigas Avenue Extension.

It added that it would also deploy traffic enforcers from the city's Traffic and Transport Management Department to assist motorists and commuters.

MANIBELA however, said anything is still possible, especially if they will be able to come up with an agreement with the government before Monday.