Gov't ready for transport strike; some classes suspended

Malacañang has assured the public that the government is prepared for the three-day nationwide jeepney strike, which starts today.

- HELEN FLORES

As a pre-emptive measure, several schools have suspended face-to-face classes today, opting instead for alternative learning modes.

At least 100,000 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are anticipated to participate in the three-day strike.

In a report to Malacañang, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the government would provide more buses in the EDSA bus carousel and additional trains in the MRT-3 and LRT lines 1 and 2.

Dizon said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority would also offer free bus rides to commuters in affected areas.

Transport group Manibela announced the strike last week to protest what it claims are erroneous figures regarding the implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena claimed discrepancies in consolidation records reported by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are impacting the livelihood of jeepney drivers.

The consolidation into a cooperative or a corporation is the first step of the modernization program.

Dizon, meanwhile, urged transport groups to sit down for a dialogue and not to proceed with the transport strike.