The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reported no stranded passengers in Metro Manila during the first day of a two-day transport strike instigated by two transport groups.
LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz attributed the protest action’s apparently muted effect to the collaboration of several government agencies.
He noted that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and other authorities ensured smooth transportation services throughout the day for the affected commuters.
“We’re thankful for the big help provided by our task force members in handling today’s events. We continue to maintain our zero stranded passengers policy,” Guadiz said at a press briefing in Malacañang.
He pointed out that local government units in Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Land Transportation Office extended various forms of assistance to commuters.
These assistance includes deploying government vehicles to provide free rides to the public in areas where public utility vehicles (PUVs) are sparse.
Guadiz assured the public that despite the ongoing transport strike, passengers have been able to commute without significant disruptions.
“First of all, only a few have joined the strike. Second, we’ve prepared free rides when necessary, and third, the PNP is on the ground to maintain peace and order, especially in cases where some drivers try to pressure others to join the strike,” Guadiz said.
Transportation Undersecretary Andy Ortega said the IATF was monitoring the seven key areas, where transport groups usually converge to ensure public transport remains operational.
Transport groups PISTON and Manibela organized a two-day transport strike this week in protest of the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program.
Their protest action is scheduled to continue until Tuesday.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “LTFRB says no stranded passengers amid transport strike.”
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