OVER a thousand commuters in Metro Manila were affected by the transport strike staged by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) to protest the government's public utility vehicle modernization program.
Highway Patrol Group (HPG) National Capital Region chief Bernard Perez, who is the PNP’s representative in I-Act, said the inter-agency council said it assisted a total of 1,490 commuters who were affectted by the transport strike particularly in the areas of Commonwealth, Guadalupe, Taguig, Manumento and Navotas.
He said 25 vehicles were dispatched to transport the affected commuters.
He said they have yet to determine the number of jeepney drivers who joined the transport strike.
“Kasama ‘yung ibang miyembro ng I-Act mag-iikot kami after lunch para i-assess ang ongoing transport strike,” said Perez.
(Members of I-Act will go around after lunch to assess the transport strike.)
The protest activity is also being staged in key cities across the country. Piston leader George San Mateo said they will end the transport strike around 3 p.m. and members who joined the activity may resume their operation.
Members of Piston staged the strike and held picket rallies nationwide to dramatize their opposition to the government’s jeepney modernization program, which will require them to purchase new units that are more expensive than the current models. (SunStar Philippines)