MRT, LRT open for 24 hours to accommodate stranded commuters

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) will be operating for 24 hours to accommodate the throngs of stranded commuters affected by flood waters brought by typhoon 'Ondoy.' In a report from 24 Oras special coverage Saturday evening, MRT and LRT officials decided to continue their trains' operations as several major roads in Metro Manila and nearby areas have become impassable to vehicles. National Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr., had earlier called the Department of Transportation and Communications to keep the two train systems open for commuters. Teodoro himself admitted to using the MRT to get to Camp Aguinaldo along EDSA from Pasay City. Teodoro also advised the public to stay indoors if there is nothing urgent for them to do outside. Rains have been pouring continuously since Friday night in what the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said was an effect of tropical storm “Ondoy." - Joseph Holandes Ubalde, GMANews.TV