MANILA – Malacañang claimed that the transport strike, which was on its second day on Tuesday, did not impact public commuters.
According to Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro, the government implemented measures to assist those affected by the strike.
The Palace spokesperson added that the government provided free rides to help alleviate the inconvenience faced by the commuting public.
“Sa aking pagkakaalam, sa kasalukuyan ay hindi pa naman po apektado iyong mga commuters natin, lalung-lalo na po na talaga naman pong handa ang ating pamahalaan, ang administrasyon na tumulong sa anumang puwedeng maging inconvenience sa mga commuters,” Castro said.
In an announcement shared with the media on Sunday, Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said additional buses will be deployed along the EDSA busway.
More trains were also made available from the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, while Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also provided free transport in affected areas.
Castro also urged the Manibela to coordinate with the government to address their concerns.
“Ang nais po ni Secretary Vince Dizon ay mag-usap po at ibigay nila sa bagong liderato po ng DOTr kung ano po iyong ninanais nila,” Castro said.
Castro also said they would further study how to encourage more jeepney operators and drivers to consolidate.
She said there should be a “win-win solution” for commuters and jeepney operators or drivers when implementing Public Utility Vehicle modernization.
“Aaralin po natin ngayon iyan. Kung 43 percent (consolidated jeepneys), at hihikayatin po natin na lahat ng maaaring mangyari ay pabor sa commuters, pabor din po sa mga jeepney operators at drivers. Lahat po ay dapat win-win solution po tayo,” she said./PN
