No suspension of work, classes during PUJ strike

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no suspension of classes, work and number coding during the transport protest that groups opposed to the government’s public transportation modernization scheme will hold today, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced.

The number coding scheme or unified vehicular volume reduction program will not be lifted since the transport group Manibela said it would hold protest programs instead of a strike, the agency said.

Romando Artes, MMDA acting chairman, yesterday also gave assurance that the government is “preparing for any eventuality.”

“We didn’t recommend the suspension of classes or work because we are ready to augment (vehicles) in case there will be disruption in public transportation,” Artes said during a media briefing hosted by the Presidential Communications Office at Malacañang.

“We will monitor the situation as early as 5 a.m. In case there is disruption in public transportation, we will augment. We have already notified various local government units (LGUs) to be prepared,” he added.

Artes also clarified that the MMDA and LGUs in Metro Manila would not “indiscriminately” deploy vehicles to offer “libreng sakay” or free rides to possible stranded passengers so as to avoid competition with jeepney drivers not joining the protests.

He cited the government’s experience in last year’s strikes by transport groups Manibela and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide or Piston where only a few passengers were reported stranded.

The Manila city government, according to its spokesperson Princess Abante, is prepared to assist passengers who might get stranded today.

Abante added that the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau and Manila Police District would be “monitoring the various routes and provide libreng sakay for commuters for the duration of the protest.”

Mar Valbuena, Manibela president, said 10,000 to 15,000 members of Piston and Manibela and other groups will join today’s protest action.

Mody Floranda, Piston president, yesterday said the unconsolidated public utility jeepneys (PUJs) would continue to operate after the Jan.