The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Tuesday that the expanded number coding scheme will remain in effect during the upcoming three-day transport strike, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
During a press conference, MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes assured the public that the government is prepared to assist commuters who may be affected by the strike, which is being organized by the transport groups Manibela and PISTON in protest of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
“Magkakaroon ng inventory ng mga assets na puwedeng i-deploy, ‘di lang sa ‘min kundi sa iba’t-ibang agencies at sa DOTr (Department of Transportation). Nakahanda naman ang pamahaalan narumesponde, as usual,” Artes stated.
(We will have an inventory of assets that can be deployed, not only by us but by other agencies and the Department of Transportation. The government is ready to respond, as usual.)
The transport strike is set to commence at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City and proceed to Mendiola, Manila, according to the organizers.
However, Artes expressed skepticism about the strike’s potential to halt the PUV Modernization Program.
“I don’t think successful sila. Dahil nagsalita naman na po ang ating Pangulo na hindi na po isu-suspend o titigil ang modernization. So in that aspect masasabi ko po na hindi successful ang strike nila,” he commented.
(I don’t think they will be successful. Because our President has already stated that modernization will not be suspended or stopped. So in that aspect, I can say that their strike would be unsuccessful.)
Artes added that the strike is likely to only cause inconvenience for commuters.
The transport strike was announced last week by Manibela head Mar Valbuena after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. rejected the Senate resolution that called for the suspension of the PUV Modernization Program.
Senate Resolution 1096, signed by 22 out of 23 senators, urged the government to temporarily halt the implementation of the modernization program, citing concerns over the large number of unconsolidated PUV units, the phaseout of iconic jeepney designs in favor of “modern jeepneys,” and the low percentage of approved routes, among other issues.
The PUV Modernization Program, initiated in 2017, aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles equipped with at least Euro 4-compliant engines to reduce pollution. It also seeks to phase out units no longer deemed roadworthy.
A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines have deemed too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.
The initial phase of the modernization program involves the consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations.