Transport strike has minimal effect, DOTr says

The transport strike staged by transport group Manibela has minimal impact on the transportation in Metro Manila and other regions, the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Monday, Oct,. 16.

The LTFRB, in a report submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), said the Monday transport strike did not achieve the goal of paralyzing public transportation in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).

“Based on the nationwide monitoring of the transport strike/rally staged by Manibela, it did not, in any way, disrupt public transportation service in the country,” the report read.

According to the LTFRB, the public transportation operations in provinces are normal with no stranded passengers reported. Roads are passable and other PUV (public utility vehicle) routes are unaffected.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista lauded the LTFRB, the Land Transportation Office and other government agencies for implementing plans that assisted all the commuters especially during the morning rush hours.

He also expressed gratitude to the seven major transport groups which did not join the strike.

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

“Manibela’s claim of crippling 600 routes in Luzon and 150 public utility jeepneys (PUJ) affecting these routes was not evident on Monday’s protests with only 19 PUJs joining the rally,” said Bautista.

“Manibela’s mobilization of small number of protester’s during Monday’s protest and the Magnificent 7’s ignoring such protest was a clear sign that the strike was a complete failure. This group only wants to create noise and panic with some schools suspending classes with this failed threat,” he added.

The Transport strike held in other parts of the country also failed to disrupt the flow of public transport as government agencies and local government units (LGUs) deployed mobility assets and offered free rides to affected passengers. — Aaron Recuenco

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