By Christine Fabro
Concerned government agencies committed to provide free rides to help commuters who will be affected by the planned week-long transport strike starting Monday, March 6, to protest the impending public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to field at least 25 vehicles, including commuter vans, regular and air conditioned buses, and military trucks.
In addition, the Philippine National Police will also deploy 60 vehicles, while over 100 personnel and 30 vehicles will be coming from the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government also committed to help in monitoring local government units, especially the inner routes within Metro Manila.
Marcos admin prepares ahead of transport strike
The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formed an Inter-Agency Monitoring Team in preparation for the week-long transport group strike.
In a press briefing Saturday, March 4, MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana, who leads the Inter-Agency Monitoring Team, said all concerned government agencies are prepared for the protest despite their appeal to the groups to not proceed with the planned transport strike.
“[We] will ensure that there will be a maximum deployment including the NCRPO [National Capital Region Police Office] dito sa napipintong transport strike,” Lipana said.
MMDA Acting Head Romando Artes said all concerned agencies will hold a meeting on Sunday, March 5, to finalize contingency plans and asset prepositioning for the scheduled transport strike. – gb