PUJ, tricycle drivers stage strike in Makati

Jeepney and tricycle drivers in Makati City staged a strike yesterday and partly paralyzed transportation in the country’s financial capital yesterday.

Those who joined the protest action belonged to the Makati Transport Group (MTG) and the Makati Tricycle Federation (MTF).

Department of Public Safety (DPS) chief Hermie San Miguel said the "tigil pasada" caught them by surprise.

"Nabigla na lang kami," he said. There are about 4,000 jeepneys that go in an out of Makati. Yesterday, 50 percent of the units did not ply their routes.

Of the 6,000 tricycle units operating in the locality, 80 percent joined the strike, which started early in the day.

"They came here and staged a program in front of our headquarters so I invited their presidents for a dialogue," San Miguel said.

The jeepney drivers, he said, were protesting high diesel and gasoline prices, "which is a national concern that Makati cannot really do anything about."

As for the tricycle drivers and operators, they were demanding a minimum fare increase from the current P5 to P7, he said.

"They already have a petition filed before the City Council. It is the City Council that will decide on that," he said.

He nevertheless hailed the transport groups for making a stand.

"They were very peaceful. They occupied Ayala Extension and the streets of Malugay and Yakal. There was no need to call the police," San Miguel said.