MMDA, Metro Manila LGUs preparing for expected transport strike, rallies

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and other stakeholders are preparing for incoming transport strikes and protest rallies over the coming days.

During the joint MMC and Regional Development Council meeting with the MMDA and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said that they are preparing free rides in case public transportation will be affected by the incoming strikes and protests.

“Tayo ay nakipagugnayan sa iba’t-ibang grupo ng transportasyon. Marami naman sa kanila ay hindi sasama dito po… Handa naman tayo magprovide ng mga augmentation para makapagbiyahe ng ligtas at convenient ang ating mga kababayan,” said Artes.

(We are coordinating with different transport groups. There are a lot of them that won’t be joining this… We are ready to provide augmentation so that our citizens can travel safely and more conveniently.)

Artes also said that the MMDA is coordinating with the Philippine National Police regarding management of traffic and safety during the rallies.

The MMDA chair called on the public and participating protesters to refrain from causing obstructions and littering during the rallies.

“Kahit na po karapatan nating magpahayag ng ating saloobin, ay sana tignan din natin po yung kapakanan ng iba at yung karapatan ng iba... Sana po maging peaceful ang ating mga rallies, at asahan niyo po na [magdedeploy] kami ng sufficient personnel para mamanage yung mga traffic at wag naman po mabarahan yung mga lansangan po natin para magamit,” he added.

(Even if it is our right to express our thoughts, we should also look at the welfare and rights of other people… I hope that our rallies will be peaceful, and expect that we will be [deploying] sufficient personnel to manage traffic and avoid blockages in our roads to make sure it’s still useable.)

Several groups have expressed intent to conduct protests all over Metro Manila on September 21 to call out the massive corruption linked to alleged anomalous flood control projects.

The protest coincides with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of the martial law in 1972. 

Transport groups have also said that their transport strike on Thursday will be in protest of corruption linked to flood control projects. — BM, GMA Integrated News