Protesters, on their third day of a transportation strike against the government’s public transport modernization program, have blocked traffic at the intersection of Connecticut Street and Epifanio de los Santos Ave. in San Juan City.
In retaliation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued citation tickets to at least 15 public utility vehicles belonging to members of the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela).
Meanwhile, Manibela said it is planning to extend its transport strike until Friday instead of the original three days.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes emphasized that while the government respects every citizen’s right to free expression, it must be exercised peacefully and without causing inconvenience to others.
The 15 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) received traffic violation tickets for illegal parking and obstruction near the Department of Transportation (DOTr) building on Ortigas Ave., Mancdaluyong City.
The MMDA clarified that Connecticut Street is part of the Mabuhay lanes, which serve as alternative routes to help ease traffic on EDSA and other major roads in Metro Manila.
The Inter-Agency Task Force continues to monitor the transport strike from the MMDA Communications Command Center in Pasig City.
Additionally, the Philippine National Police has deployed personnel to the area to maintain peace and order, while traffic enforcers are guiding motorists to prevent congestion caused by the protesters.
The MMDA earlier stated that the first two days of the protest failed to paralyze the public transport system in Metro Manila, adding that the transport strike causes no impact.
Manibela said they mulled the extended strike after the government said the group failed to paralyze the public transportation system on the first two days of the strike.
Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena claimed that the DOTr seemed to “lack a sense of urgency”, adding that the agency only called for a dialogue after the strike was announced.
Valbuena also said that although a DOTr staff member already reached out to him about a possible dialogue on Friday, he wants to hear from Secretary Vince Dizon himself.