The Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Sunday downplayed the scheduled transport strike today, (Monday) as by transport group Manibela, as 95 percent of transport groups will continue to operate.

In a press conference in Quezon City, after the meeting with transport groups dubbed as Magnificent 7 plus the UV Express Group, also known as Mighty One, Abalos said that they conveyed non-participation to the said 'tigil pasada'.

The Magnificent 7 is composed of transport groups Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas.

Abalos also said that they have discussed other matters aside from the transport strike, including concerns on "kotong".

"We will create a technical working group to address the issues being raised by our transport group leaders," he said.

Despite saying there will be no effect on public transportation, Abalos highlighted the preparations being done by various agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Office, Department of Transportation, and the police.

A multi-agency command center will be set up at the New MMDA Head Office in Pasig City to monitor the situation during the transport strike.

Vehicles are likewise prepositioned at strategic areas and are ready to be dispatched as necessary.

For his part, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that the agency is expecting the same minimal impact as the previous two strikes which were both staged by Manibela.

Meanwhile, leaders of the transport groups who met with Abalos thanked the Secretary for his commitment to address their concerns.

Obet Martin of Pasang Masda said their groups are one with the government in pushing for transport reforms nationwide.

"Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng mga members namin sa buong bansa, ayaw nating pahirapan ang ating mga mananakay. Hindi po tayo kasali sa strike bukas. Sa halip kaisa tayo ng gobyerno sa pagpapaunlad ng transportasyon sa ating bansa," Martin said.