MMDA warns vs coercion of drivers not joining strike

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned militant transport groups to avoid coercing drivers into joining the jeepney strike.

Leaders of transport groups based in Malabon City and in Novaliches, Quezon City complained about alleged members of transport groups Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide or Piston and Manibela harassing them, according to MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office director for enforcement Victor Nuñez.

The groups were blocking jeepneys leaving terminals to go on with their job of ferrying commuters, he said during an interview over the state-run Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program last Dec. 18.

Nuñez pointed out the alleged harassment was causing inconvenience not only to drivers but also to passengers scrambling to catch rides.

He also maintained Piston and Manibela should keep their word that no jeepney driver would be forced to join their two-week transport strike that will last until next week.

The MMDA would let the police act on the complaints, having deployed policemen to prevent the alleged harassment.

Piston and Manibela, which continue to oppose the government’s plan to modernize public utility vehicles by next year, have yet to react on the allegations.