MMDA offers free rides during transport strike

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will provide buses and trucks to ferry commuters who will be stranded during a two-day nationwide transport strike set to start tomorrow, an MMDA official said yesterday.

The agency will send 10 buses, trucks and ambulances to all areas affected by the rallies of transport groups led by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said.

The MMDA will also deploy rescue teams in case an untoward incident happens during the strike, she added.

PISTON president George San Mateo said they will stage their third nationwide transport strike on Oct. 16 and 17 to oppose the jeepney modernization project of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Under the LTFRB’s jeepney modernization program, jeepneys aged 15 years and older will be phased out.

Aside from PISTON, the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and other groups under the No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition will join the protest.

Pialago belittled the strike’s projected effect on commuters, saying the protesters never paralyzed transportation in the metropolis.

Sought for comment on Pialago’s statement, San Mateo told The STAR that he respects her sentiment, but said the government should not suspend classes if officials think commuters will not be affected.

The Makati City government said on its official Facebook page “My Makati” that classes in all public schools are suspended tomorrow while the suspension of classes in private schools would be up to the schools’ officials.

Other local government units in Metro Manila have yet to issue an announcement on class suspensions.

In Manila, Mayor Joseph Estrada said the city government will send trucks to ferry stranded commuters from España Avenue to Welcome Rotonda, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard from V. Mapa to Plaza Avelino, Legarda Avenue, Recto Avenue and Retiro.

He also ordered the deployment of ambulances and rescue teams as well as traffic and security personnel to help the public.