INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. yesterday expressed confidence that public transportation would not be paralyzed even if the transport group Manibela (Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers) holds a transport strike today, Monday.
Abalos issued the statement after a meeting with officials of the transport group Magnificent 7 Plus Mighty One, which earlier announced its non-participation in the transport holiday, in Quezon City.
“We are very thankful to the group Magnificent 7 Plus Mighty One. Why? For the information of everyone, this represents 95 percent of all transport groups,” Abalos said of the organization, an alliance of transport groups.
Abalos said the government owes the group a debt of gratitude “because they are not joining the strike tomorrow.
“With this group (not joining the transport strike), I’m very sure there would be no paralysis of traffic,” said Abalos, referring to public transport.
He added there is no need to suspend classes.
“As far as we are concerned, there is no reason. Number one, 95 percent of all transport groups are with us and they are not joining (the transport strike),” said Abalos.
Abalos also said the PNP has been tapped to secure drivers who are not joining the transport strike and to provide free rides to commuters who might be stranded.
“The PNP will be giving support as always to prevent their (non-participating transport groups) harassment,” said Abalos.
Abalos said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has a “good plan” when it comes to helping commuters who might be stranded.
“They (MMDA) will be monitoring all LGUs (local government units) in Metro Manila. They will determine the areas where there is a shortage of vehicles and that’s where we are going to send (public) vehicles (to provide free rides),” said Abalos, adding the public should not be threatened.
Manibela is holding a transport strike to protest the government’s jeepney modernization program.
Abalos said all programs can be addressed through a dialogue.
“And if there is one group that will be out of line and hold a rally, that’s not right,” said Abalos, adding the world should not stop because of the group’s decision.
“If you are going to stop at every dog that barks, you are not going to reach your destination,” he said.
Aside from the transport strike, Abalos also discussed with Magnificent 7 Plus One several other issues, including extortion on transport groups and drivers.
He said he was surprised at the figures the extortionists are getting from the transport groups and drivers.
Abalos did not elaborate as to how the government would go after those extorting money from the drivers.
“I’m not privy to discuss it with you right now. But this is the only thing I am going to say.
To the extortionists, be careful (because) the DILG is here, the MMDA is here, the LTO (Land Transportation Office) is here, the DILG is here, and the PNP is also here,” said Abalos.
“Be careful because you are not only going to land in jail, especially the (government) officials. You will be removed from your positions. I will make sure of that,” said Abalos.
Pressed if they are traffic enforcers, Abalos said there’s a mixture of authorities reportedly extorting from the transport groups and drivers.
PNP spokeswoman and Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said policemen will be deployed in key areas to ensure peace and order.
“As part of the PNP’s enhanced managing police operations, the PNP will be deploying personnel in major thoroughfares and other convergence points where protests are projected to be held, to maintain law and order and provide security to individuals and groups joining the protest,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the PNP has also readied some of its vehicles to provide free transportation to commuters who will be affected by the transport strike.
“PNP mobility assets will also be on standby to provide libreng sakay (free rides) if the need arises,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo urged the protesters to respect the decision of their fellow drivers who will not be joining the transport strike.
“The PNP will respect the rights of the protesters to air their sentiments,” said Fajardo.
“However, we appeal to them to also respect the rights of others who decided not to join the protest. Do not harass them if they opt to ply their route and fetch passengers.”
