Transport strike proceeds in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines —  Several schools suspended on-site classes as the transport strike proceeded yesterday in Metro Manila, although several jeepneys continued to ply their routes.

The militant Piston and Manibela launched the strike to demand lower fuel prices and the scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law.

It was staged on the heels of President Marcos’ suspension of fare increases earlier allowed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In Caloocan City, several jeepneys continued to operate around Monumento while in Malabon, the local government rolled out free rides to assist commuters affected by the strike. Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said nine “Libreng Sakay” vehicles were deployed across key routes to ferry stranded passengers and minimize disruptions.

In Pasig City, members of Piston held a rally in Plaza Bonifacio, where they also demanded the removal of excise taxes and value-added tax on petroleum products. The group also called for a P1,200 daily minimum wage amid rising costs of goods.

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago joined the protest in support of transport workers.

However, turnout was lower than expected, with police estimating only around 25 to 30 participants at the rally.

“We are here to maintain peace and order,” said Pasig police chief Col. Hendrix Mangaldan. Similar protest actions were also reported in Marikina City.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), said its chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., is eyeing the deployment of some of its vehicles to ferry stranded commuters, as the transport strike continues today.

“We are currently evaluating our assets to see where we can deploy our patrol vehicles to assist without compromising response time. The goal is simply to bridge the gap,” Nartatez said.

He stressed that while law enforcement remains the police’s primary duty, officers are also directed to assist commuters as part of their community service.

Nartatez said the PNP is coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), LTFRB, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units for deployment and routes assignment, based on commuter demand.

“We are synchronizing our deployment with their ‘Libreng Sakay’ routes to ensure not only enough vehicles but also the safety of passengers and drivers,” he said.

The DOTr said it also has an arrangement with the Philippine Coast Guard for free rides from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the Quiapo-Welcome Rotonda, Welcome Rotonda-Cubao, Nagtahan-Cubao, Taft-UN-PITX and Lawton-PITX routes.

“The DOTr and all its attached agencies continue to work to ensure that all possible aid and support is immediately provided to commuters, drivers, and transport operators,” said DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

Meanwhile, more schools in Metro Manila shifted to remote learning and work. “Faculty members are enjoined to exercise maximum leniency and compassion. No student shall be marked absent or penalized for failing to attend onsite activities due to the transport situation,” UP Manila said in a memorandum.

The Philippine Women’s University also announced a shift to synchronous online modality yesterday at PWU Taft and PWU-JASMS Manila to mitigate the effects of the transport strike. The Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila also announced a shift to online classes.

Private and public schools in Laguna – including UP Los Baños – also shifted to online learning in all levels, as ordered by Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones.-  Josiah Antonio, Bella Cariaso