Dizon to talk to protesters
At least 19 colleges and universities in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan have suspended face-to-face classes today in anticipation of the three-day nationwide transport strike.
The government however has assured it has put in place contingency measures aimed at filling the gap in public transportation ahead of the protest staged by transport group Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) from today until Wednesday.
The following universities and colleges have declared no classes:
– Adamson University
– Cavite State University main campus (March 24 to 26, 2025)
– Centro Escolar Integrated School Manila
– Colegio de San Juan de Letran
– De La Salle University Manila and Laguna campuses (March 24 to 26, 2025)
– Far Eastern University Manila and Makati campuses
– Malayan High School of Science
– Manila Central University
– Manuel L. Quezon University (March 24 to 26, 2025)
– Mapúa University Intramuros and Makati campuses (Senior High School)
– Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
– Philippine College of Criminology (March 24 to 26, 2025)
– St. Louis Anne Colleges of San Pedro Laguna Inc. (March 24 to 26, 2025)
– Trinity University of Asia (March 24 to 26, 2025)
– University of Perpetual Help System – Laguna
– University of Santo Tomas
– University of the East (March 24 to 26, 2025)
– Malolos City (All levels, public and private)
In a statement on Sunday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said additional buses will be deployed along the EDSA busway, while more trains of the Metro Rail Transit-3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 will be made available to commuters in the National Capital Region.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will likewise mobilize free ride or “libreng sakay” buses in key routes in anticipation of the strike substantially reducing the number of public utility vehicles (PUVs) on the road.
Despite agencies’ preparations, Dizon still sought to make a last-ditch plea on Manibela’s leadership to reconsider their planned protest action.
“Our appeal is for the sake of our countrymen who are already burdened by their daily commute… let’s forgo the strike. Instead, let’s just talk so that the new Department of Transportation (DOTr) leadership can understand their grievances,” the transport chief wrote in Filipino.
To recall, Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) lied when it said that 86 percent of public utility vehicle operators and drivers have consolidated for the PUV modernization program.
As a result, the transport leader is urging Dizon to remove LTFRB officials from their posts to placate his group.