The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the transport strike failed to halt traffic in stated all routes in the National Capital Region.
A portion of Welcome Rotonda in Manila, however, was closed for several hours when it was blocked by strikers led by the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) opposed to the government’s public transport modernization program (PTMP).
The MMDA sent traffic enforcers to manage traffic while the Philippine National Police deployed the anti-riot team. Members of the Quezon City Police prevented the group from proceeding to Mendiola in Manila.
Manibela initiated the 3-day transport strike after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. rejected a resolution from the Senate calling for PTMP’s suspension.
The MMDA also said contingency measures are in place in connection with the transport protests.
MMDA personnel were instructed to intensify traffic management and assist in crowd control in areas where protests will be held.
Manibela and Piston on Wednesday began the first day of their planned three-day strike as they gathered at Welcome Rotonda at the boundary of Quezon City and Manila.
Manibela president Mar Valbuena claimed that about 5,000 operators and drivers of public utility jeepneys joined the transport strike. “We just want to tell the President that this action is for him to listen to the suspension (resolution) of the Senate,” Valbuena said.
“If the Senate understands this, I hope you will also understand us,” he added.
As early as 7 a.m., the protesters started to march along Quezon Avenue toward Mendiola in Manila. However, police prevented the members of Manibela and Piston from entering España.
The coding scheme will not be suspended during the three-day transport strike.
At least 22 senators signed Senate Resolution 1096, seeking to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thumbed down the proposed measure.
