Transport strike set during school opening MMDA to deploy 2,000 traffic enforcers

A major transport group will hold a nationwide strike during the opening of classes in public schools tomorrow to protest the government’s plan to phase out old passenger jeepneys, an official said yesterday.

The school opening will proceed despite the transport holiday, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

George San Mateo, president of the Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON), said the transport strike in Metro Manila was in support of the group’s protest caravan in Panay and Negros.

San Mateo said they would hold rallies at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to denounce the planned jeepney phaseout.

Members of PISTON will gather in front of the National Housing Authority office in Quezon City at around 6 a.m. before marching to the LTFRB and DOTr.

“The rally will not disrupt the school opening on Monday,” San Mateo told The STAR.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy over 2,000 traffic enforcers in the metropolis during the school opening.

Michael Salalima, deputy chief staff of the MMDA, said the enforcers would be deployed starting at 5:30 a.m. to manage traffic and assist students.

“MMDA enforcers will be fielded near schools where traffic jams are expected,” Salalima told reporters.

He said the number coding scheme and the expanded no window hours would not be lifted tomorrow.

Salalima said the MMDA and LTRFB are prepared for the transport strike.

He said they would deploy vehicles to transport students and commuters who would be affected by the strike.

Salalima said they would ask local government officials to provide buses instead of trucks for the convenience of female commuters.

In Manila, Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered police to implement strict security measures during the school opening.

Estrada directed Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel to deploy armed policemen in public elementary and high schools to ensure the safety of students.

“We don’t want any unfortunate incident to happen during the first day of classes,” Estrada said.

He ordered the MPD to step up police visibility near schools.

The mayor also ordered authorities to remove illegal structures and other road obstructions to ease traffic congestion.

Coronel said police assistance desks would be set up in 77 public elementary and high schools in the city.

He said this would be done in coordination with the school authorities.

Around 25 million students are expected to return to school, including Grade 12 students, according to DepEd.