The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reactivated its multi-agency command center in response to a two-day transport strike that officially started on Thursday. As of 7 a.m., the situation along major thoroughfares throughout Metro Manila remains normal, with many jeepney drivers stating that they will only stop plying their routes and taking passengers if their transport group asks them to join the strike or if their respective routes are blocked by fellow drivers participating in the protest against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVM).
MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes emphasized that the government is ready to respond to the strike and assured the public that the transport groups can no longer hold the transportation systems hostage. He stated, “We have gotten to the point where the transport groups cannot [hold] hostage our transportation systems now because the government is addressing the effects of their strike.” Artes also mentioned that public transportation will be made available to commuters, in addition to the 686 vehicles that are on standby, including those from local governments in Metro Manila. Enforcers are actively monitoring traffic and will implement proper measures to assist stranded commuters. The government’s past preparations against transport strikes have been effective in minimizing disruptions for commuters.
Despite claims by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operaytor Nationwide (PISTON) that over 100,000 jeepney drivers and operators will join the strike, Artes stated that several transport groups have indicated that they will not participate. The MMDA will not suspend the number coding scheme, which restricts certain vehicles from operating on specific days, during the strike.
The transport groups, led by Piston, are protesting the December 31 deadline set by the government for franchise consolidation. According to the new guidelines, drivers and operators of traditional jeepneys and UV Express units need to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations before the deadline. Failure to do so will result in the cessation of their operations under the PUVM.
Piston has also expressed the possibility of extending the two-day transport strike if the Department of Transportation (DoTr), through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), does not make changes to some of the provisions outlined in Department Order 2017-011, also known as the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared that there will be no extension of the December 31 deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles.
In conclusion, the MMDA has taken proactive measures to ensure minimal disruptions to commuters during the two-day transport strike in Metro Manila. The government is prepared to address the effects of the strike and has made public transportation available to commuters. Despite claims of widespread participation, several transport groups have chosen not to join the strike. The strike is a response to the government’s deadline for franchise consolidation, which requires traditional jeepney and UV Express operators to form cooperatives or corporations. The government has made it clear that there will be no extension to the consolidation deadline. The situation will continue to be monitored, and appropriate measures will be implemented to assist stranded commuters.
Source: The Manila Times
