Manibela begins 3-day transport strike in Metro cities

Members of transport group Manibela staged simultaneous protests on Wednesday, Sept. 17, marking the start of a three-day transport strike to denounce alleged massive corruption amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

- By ALLYSA NIEVERA, RICHIELYN CANLAS, and JONATHAN HICAP

In Quezon City, drivers and operators gathered at Philcoa along Commonwealth Avenue, where they launched a program that started around 6:30 a.m.

They announced a "tigil-pasada" to join the demonstration.

The protesters carried signs that read, "Kurapsyon, wakasan na" (End the corruption now).

Despite the transport strike, the Quezon City government reported that as of 8:30 a.m., there were no stranded commuters in the city.

The protest is part of a series of actions leading up to a larger rally on Sept. 21 which Manibela vowed to join.

In Manila, a peaceful rally was held in Punta, Sta. Ana. Demonstrators called for a stop to the jeepney phaseout and the return of the five-year franchise.

The local government of Manila deployed vehicles along Kartilya ng Katipunan to give free rides to commuters affected by the transport strike.

In Pasig City, some demonstrators gathered along Caruncho Avenue at around 6 a.m. to protest against corruption in government.

They held their program peacefully.