DILG says transport strike tomorrow to have 'minimal effect' on commuters

The scheduled transport strike tomorrow will have little effect on commuters, the leadership of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

Interior and local government secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. gave the assurance after he met the leaders of Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (Piston), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas (LTOP) as well as with UV Express Group known as Mighty One.

According to Abalos, the aforementioned factions conveyed they will not participate in the protest action — noting that 95 percent of the groups will continue operations amid Manibela’s announcement.

Aside from the scheduled demonstration, the Abalos said that the meeting was able to discuss concerns about bribery.

"We will create a technical working group to address the issues being raised by our transport group leaders," he said.

"Ang ating mahal na Pangulo ay masaya po sa ating partnership na ito dahil marami tayong napag-usapan at nakikita natin ang importansiya ng dayalogo (our beloved president is happy with our partnership because we discuss a lot and see the importance of dialogue)," he added.

Amid the claim that there would no effect to public transportation, Abalos shared that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Office, Department of Transportation, and the police are conducting preparations with regards to the strike.

The DILG secretary noted that a multi-agency command center will be set up at the new MMDA Head Office in Pasig City to monitor the situation during the transport strike. Apart from that, vehicles shall also be prepositioned at strategic areas — ready to be dispatched if necessary.

For his part, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said that the agency is expecting the same minimal impact as the previous two strikes both staged by Manibela.  "Hindi magpapa-hostage ang pamahalaan sa taong pansariling interes lang ang isinusulong (The government will not be held hostage by someone who only promotes their own interests)," he said.

Meanwhile, leaders of the transport groups who met with Abalos thanked the Secretary for his commitment to address their concerns.

Pasang Masda President Obet Martin said their groups are one with the government in pushing for transport reforms nationwide.

"Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng mga members namin sa buong bansa; ayaw nating pahirapan ang ating mga mananakay. Hindi po tayo kasali sa strike bukas. Sa halip, kaisa tayo ng gobyerno sa pagpapaunlad ng transportasyon sa ating bansa (We call on all our members across the country; we don't want to torture our riders. We will not participate in the strike tomorrow. Instead, we are united with the government in the development of transportation in our country)," Martin said.

Photos from Benhur Abalos Facebook page

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