The Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are preparing for next week’s impending transport strike.
According to the PNP, their contingency planning includes the plan for a transport strike by some transport groups during the second State of the Nation Address by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. next Monday.
It is said that the police have also contacted the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
“Sa ngayon ay kasama yan sa ginagawang contingency planning, of course in coordination with LTO and LTFRB. Dahil yung first day ng planong transport strike ay sasabay sa SONA,” said PNP Spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo.
“Ang PNP naman ay magpo-provide ng available mobility assets natin para matulungan yung mga ibang kababayan natin na baka sakaling mastranded sila lalong lalo diyan sa mga designated chokepoints and areas natin.”
Fajardo also called on those who will participate in the strike not to force fellow drivers who will not join.
“Doon sa mga nagpa-planong sumali at lumahok sa transport strike, ang pakiusap natin sa grupo nila ay huwag naman pilitin at i-harass yung mga kasamahan nating tsuper na hindi sasama sa kanilang planong strike,” said Fajardo.
“Doon naman sa mga grupo na lalahok dito, ang paalala lang natin ay huwag silang magsagawa ng anumang na mga akitbidad na makakahamper doon sa flow of traffic.”
PNP, MMDA prepare for looming transport strike
The MMDA is also said to be ready for the stoppage that will begin on July 24, or the very day of the president’s second SONA.
According to MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, they have contacted the local governments to monitor the areas that will be affected by the stoppage.
Meanwhile, DUMPER PTDA Partylist Representative Claudine Bautista disagrees with the MANIBELA group’s transport strike.
According to the lawmaker, who represents the transportation sector, the answer to the grievances of jeepney drivers is not stopping passing.
Mar Valbuena, president of MANIBELA, first said that the transport strike would continue demonstrating opposition to the government’s PUB Modernization Program.
On the other hand, Bautista hopes that the members of the MANIBELA group will allow jeepney drivers who will not cooperate with the traffic stop to drive freely.
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