Number coding remains despite transport strike

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will not suspend its number coding traffic scheme despite a transport strike led by Manibela according to chairperson Atty. Romando Artes on Monday.

“No suspension of number coding due to the minimal effect of the transport strike. Traffic flow would be heavier without coding,” Artes said.

He said MMDA assets and those of other agencies and local government units are pre-positioned, but will not be deployed unless needed.

“We will not dispatch because only a few joined the strike. We don’t want to create a lack of passengers for those who did not join,” Artes said.

However, he added that single dispatches will be made if passengers are stranded, and monitoring will continue.

To recall, Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon called for dialogue with the strikers.

Manibela began its three-day transport strike Monday morning to protest the Public Utility Vehicle modernization program.

“We should sit down. Let’s talk things out,” Dizon said, stressing that 86 percent of public utility jeepney operators applied for consolidation under the government’s modernization program, and 43 percent were approved.

Dizon also cited the need for talks to resolve the situation.

Manibela began its three-day transport strike Monday morning to protest the Public Utility Vehicle modernization program.

The group alleges that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board misrepresented consolidation figures for operators and drivers. The strike is scheduled to continue through Wednesday.