Strikers urged: Talk to government, don’t inconvenience commuters

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has urged striking transport groups to discuss their concerns with the government, particularly the new Department of Transportation leadership, to avoid inconveniencing passengers.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro yesterday said the impact of a transport strike would be felt not just by the government, but also by commuters, whom she said are “innocent” and are just caught in the middle of the issue.

“Our appeal, and also the appeal of (Transport) Sec. Vince Dizon is for the leadership of Manibela to engage in talks first,” Castro said at a press briefing.

The transport strike yesterday was able to paralyze 85 percent of Metro Manila despite government agencies saying that day one of the three-day mobilization was not felt by commuters, transport group Manibela claimed.

“Many schools decided to suspend face-to-face classes and there were also free rides offered,” Manibela president Mar Valbuena told The STAR.

Asked about Dizon’s statement that only 43 percent of operators have had their consolidation approved, Castro said the Palace would study the issue and come up with a solution “favorable to commuters, jeepney operators and drivers.”

Similarly, commuters’ group The Passenger Forum wanted all parties concerned to meet as soon as possible.

“Our call is for the government and the transport groups to sit down so that we will not be severely affected. We sympathize with the drivers but their cause does not help if its impact to the commuters is big,” The Passenger Forum convenor Primo Morillo said in a radio interview.

At the same time, he expressed hope that Dizon will be able to implement more reforms in the transport sector.

For her part, Sen. Grace Poe called on the DOTr to deliver its long-standing promises to the public transport sector, including the public transport modernization program.

“Genuine modernization cannot be achieved through rushed implementation. It demands careful planning, inclusive consultations and a commitment to ensuring that no driver or commuter is left behind. Now is the time for the DOTr to deliver for all stakeholders,” she said.

Meanwhile, Valbuena noted that the strike will continue if the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will continue to push for the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

“The government should suspend the PUVMP, extend our franchise and our provisional authority so that we can secure the necessary requirements from the LTFRB for us to be able to register with the Land Transportation Office,” he said.

He added that the previous dialogues with the LTFRB and DOTr did not result in solutions.

“We were traumatized already as after the dialogue, no significant action happened, contrary to what was promised,” Valbuena said.

‘Fire LTFRB chief’

Valbuena also reiterated calls for President Marcos to fire LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.

“The former general manager of Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) was sacked immediately over an issue of an escalator only. We appeal to the President to let go of Guadiz as he was made to believe that the consolidation was already 86 percent and yet Secretary Dizon said it was only 43 percent,” he said.

Valbuena added that the three-day transport strike will proceed despite officials belittling its effect on commuters.

He noted that many passengers were stranded because of the transport strike.

“We have photos and videos of areas where many passengers were stranded. Not all the streets of Metro Manila have cameras of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority,” he noted.

Valbuena said that aside from Metro Manila, drivers and operators in Bulacan, Pampanga, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan and Iligan joined the transport strike.

“In the National Capital Region alone, at least 500 routes of the total 800 routes joined the transport strike,” Valbuena added.

According to Valbuena, there were 23 strike centers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Quezon City, Manila, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Marikina, Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan and Laguna.

Cops deployed

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it deployed 8,152 personnel across Metro Manila ahead of the start of the three-day transport strike yesterday.

NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said police forces, including civil disturbance management teams, have been stationed in transport terminals, major roads and commercial areas to ensure peace and security.

A reactionary standby support force has also been activated for immediate reinforcement if necessary.

“Monitoring has been generally peaceful and so far, there have been no reports of disturbances that could affect security in Metro Manila,” Aberin said in a phone interview with reporters at Camp Crame.

The NCRPO’s deployment includes mobile and foot patrols, as well as motorcycle units, to enhance police visibility and provide a quick response to any incidents. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Ramon Efren Lazaro