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Public utility vehicle groups led by Manibela staged the first day of a planned 3-day transport strike on July 24
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The group says at least 400,000 jeepney drivers will join the strike
A TRANSPORT group kicked off the first day of a three-day transport strike on July 24 to protest the phaseout of traditional jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Transport group Manibela led an assembly and program before embarking on a caravan at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City. The group said there are various “strike centers” within the National Capital Region.
The group estimated at least 400,000 jeepney drivers nationwide will join the transport strike to cite their grievances regarding the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
The program puts emphasis on the reliability, safety, accessibility, environmental soundness, and comfort of a PUV. Under the PUVMP, brand-new and ‘environmentally friendly units’ will be promoted and given priority in the allocation of Certificates of Public Convenience.
RELATED READ: PUV modernization program eyes total overhaul of PH road transport system
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier suspended work and classes in government offices and public schools in Metro Manila on July 24 as a precautionary measure for the transport strike and the looming typhoon “Egay.”
In a related development, an inter-agency monitoring team by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will assess the situation and provide assistance.
Aside from the MMDA, several agencies are monitoring traffic conditions in Metro Manila, including the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Inter-agency Council for Traffic, Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office, and 17 local government units in the NCR.
The inter-agency also monitors “Egay” and the second State of the Nation Address of President Marcos Jr at 4pm today (July 24).
