Here are the Metro Manila cities offering 'Libreng Sakay' programs amid the transport strike
Transport group Manibela is holding a nationwide strike in protest of the public utility vehicle modernization program's impending Dec. 31 deadline, as well as transportation officials' alleged corrupt practices.
According to Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena, the group agreed to conduct a strike after Jeffrey Tumbado, a former executive assistant of LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, disclosed the alleged corruption by the agency where PUV operators paid transport officials up to P5 million to get routes, franchises, and special permits, among others.
They are also protesting the jeepney phaseout. Under the program, jeepneys, buses, and other public utility vehicles that are at least 15 years old must be replaced with electronic jeepneys or e-jeepneys—in hopes of making the public transportation system more comfortable and environment-friendly.
Through a memo, the Land Transport Franchising Regulatory Board ordered drivers and operators to form a cooperative with at least 15 vehicles to be able to secure loans for the new jeepneys or else lose their franchise. The government also offered to give P200,000 per jeepney that will be phased out.
Drivers and operators still aren't pleased, especially with a daily income of about P700 and the constant fear of not being able to pay off their loans in seven years' time.
Commuters are also worried that the modernized vehicles would mean higher fares.
Several cities in Metro Manila are offering "libreng sakay" programs to commuters in light of the transport strike.
Manila City
The Manila Public Information Office said the capital deployed 20 e-tricycles, two mobile transport vehicles, three sports utility vehicles, two Manila Police Department transporters, and 16 MPD patrol vehicles.
Authorities are monitoring the following routes:
- San Juan-Divisoria
- Blumentritt-Novaliches
- Nagtahan-Paco
- Divisoria-Cubao
- Morayta-Divisoria
- Balic Balic-Quiapo
- Zobel Roxas-Paco (Dulo)
- San Andres-Faura
There are also pick-up points on Pureza and V. Mapa, and drop-off points in San Juan.
Quezon City
The Quezon City government said it's offering bus services in terminals in Philcoa, Litex, and Araneta-E. Rodriguez.
There are also e-tricycle services in terminals in Philcoa, Anonas, and SM North/Trinoma.
The following routes would also offer free rides:
- QC Hall-Cubao
- QC Hall-Litex / IBP Road
- Welcome Rotonda-Aurora Katipunan
- QC Hall-General Luis
- QC Hall-Mindanao Ave. via Visayas Ave.
- QC Hall-Gilmore
- QC Hall-C5 / Ortigas Ave. Ext.
- QC Hall-Muñoz
Caloocan
The Caloocan City government said it deployed 30 rescue vehicles, including two buses, to cater to affected commuters.
Caloocan Police will also be making the rounds in the city.
Parañaque
The Parañaque City Information Office said government vehicles are being deployed in major thoroughfares, including Dr. A. Santos Avenue/Sucat Road to Baclaran, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Quirino Avenue, and East and West Service Road.
Malabon
The Malabon city government deployed buses and vans in the city. Here are Malabon Command Center's numbers that citizens may reach out to in case of emergency:
- 89216009
- 89216029
- 09423729891
- 09190625588
Taguig
Though noting that its major transport groups won't join the strike, Taguig said it put up 14 areas in the city, including the EMBO barangays, to assist commuters. "Depending on the need, vehicles may be deployed to offer free rides," the Taguig City government said in a statement.
Pasig
The city government said it has deployed monitoring teams across the city to determine which areas are in need of rescue vehicles.
Valenzuela
Valenzuela also sent out trucks to assist constituents. There are also "libreng sakay" buses around the area to help commuters get to their chosen destinations during the transport strike.