About 50,000 jeepney drivers and operators in Metro Manila are expected to participate in the three-day nationwide transport strike (tigil-pasada) beginning July 24, according to transport group Manibela.
“Kahit isang libo lang kami, maiparating lang namin sa ating Pangulo ang kagustuhan namin na maipagpatuloy ang aming hanapbuhay [pamamasada],” Manibela President Mal Valbuena said in an interview with CNN on Sunday.
“Yun talaga ang pinapakiusap namin sa kanya na huwag kaming tanggalin doon sa kalsada, lalo po ngayon na ang hirap pong humanap ng trabaho,” he added.
Affected routes have yet to be announced. But this early, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said several transport groups including the Magnificent 7 are not joining the transport strike.
On July 13, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) said consultations are ongoing with transport cooperatives, local government units, and the private sector “to hear their concerns and recommendations” to improve the modernization program.
“The LTFRB has always been fair in implementing its mandate under the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) and its dealing with its clientele,” said
“They are duly recognized legal entities for public transport and are given equal opportunities in vying for franchises/authority subject to compliance with the requirements,” it added. – With reports from Trisha Casabar-ag
