Photo by Faith Argosino | INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Various transport groups led by Manibela staged a protest outside the office of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Edsa in San Juan City on Tuesday, marking the third and last day of their transport strike.
As of 9:30 a.m., members of transport group Manibela were seen occupying one lane of Connecticut Street.
“Jeepney phaseout, ibasura [Junk jeepney phaseout,” Manibela members shouted.
The groups’ transport strike and protest were against the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board(LTFRB) for allegedly falsifying the data on the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
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Photo by Faith Argosino | INQUIRER.net
Earlier, however, LTFRB spokesperson Ariel Inton denied the allegation of falsified data about the PTMP.
On the other hand, Dizon assured the public on Monday that there would be no stopping the government’s implementation of the much-delayed PTMP.
Dizon added that he was still open to making changes to address the concerns of transport groups.
To ensure public safety during the strike, the Philippine National Police deployed 48,555 personnel to various terminals and transportation hubs across the country.
The PNP also dispatched over 1,400 vehicles to offer “Libreng Sakay” (free rides) to commuters affected by the transport strike.