Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos yesterday downplayed the transport strike scheduled for today, saying that 95 percent of public utility vehicle operators will continue to operate.

Abalos told reporters that the majority of transport groups had conveyed their non-participation in the protest move of the group MANIBELA (Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers) over the phasing out of traditional jeepneys.

Among those that assured Abalos of their continuing operations are the Magnificent 7, the UV Express Group and Pasang Masda.

Nonetheless, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the police, and the Land Transportation Office would put in effect contingency measures to ensure the strike does not inconvenience commuters, Abalos said.

He said 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 would also be prepositioned in strategic areas.

MMDA acting chairman Don Artes said the agency expects the same minimal impact as the previous two strikes, both staged by Manibela.

"The government will not be held hostage by people who are only promoting their own interests," Artes said in Filipino.

Pasang Masda head Obet Martin said they would not join the transport strike as they support the government's transport reforms.