The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday downplayed the impact of the transport strike staged by Manibela, saying only a few passengers were inconvenienced.
MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Director Victor Nuñez said early morning commuter activity appeared to reflect regular foot traffic during the rush hour.
Nuñez noted that the strike was “not really felt” as many jeepneys, buses and other public utility vehicles continued operating across Metro Manila.
He said the MMDA recorded no incidents of large numbers of passengers being stranded at major transport hubs.
Nuñez added that the MMDA prepared its vehicles as early as 6:30 a.m. to assist commuters who might be affected by the strike.
The agency ultimately withheld deploying free rides to avoid competing with jeepney drivers who continued to ply their routes.
Manibela began a three-day transport strike from Dec. 9 to 11 to protest alleged abuses against jeepney drivers, including excessive fines and delays in processing franchise documents.
The group also denounced a supposed “payola” system within the DOTr, LTFRB and LTO, which it said has long burdened drivers.
In a statement, Manibela said it launched the strike due to authorities’ failure to address “long-standing issues” that have harmed drivers’ livelihoods.
Contrary to the MMDA’s assessment, the group claimed in several Facebook posts that many commuters were stranded and that much of Metro Manila was effectively “paralyzed.”