Manila trike drivers struggle to earn income amid MECQ

Tricycle drivers in Manila on Wednesday lamented that income is hard to come by  under the modified enhanced community quarantine due lack of passengers.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s report on “24 Oras,” while tricycle drivers were allowed to operate, Nathan Vinarao said only a few commuters took tricycles during the second day of the MECQ in Manila.

Vinarao, a tricycle driver in Masangkay, said he was not able to reach his boundary even if it was already in the afternoon.

“Mas lalong humirap simula noong nagsarado ho ulit lahat, lalo ‘yong walang pasok. Sa estudyante lang kami (umaasa) ng pasahero. Mas humigpit lang po ngayon dahil kumaunti ang tao. Kumaunti po ‘yong lumalabas dito,” he said.

But despite the low income, Vinarao said he was still grateful that the city government allowed tricycle drivers to operate amid the MECQ.

“Kahit papaano may nakukuha na po kaming pambili ng pagkain namin sa araw-araw,” he said.

Meanwhile, several jeepney drivers returned to scavenging and begging for alms to be able to provide for their families.

“‘Yong sabihing maghanap kami ng ibang trabaho, wala kaming makuhang ibang trabaho. Dagdag pahirap na naman sa amin ‘yan. Noon ngang nag-lockdown nahirapan na kami, lalo na ngayon,” Renato Miravan said.

Earlier, the Department of Transportation vowed aid for jeepney drivers who once again lost their sources of income due to the MECQ.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Hope Libiran said the DOTr was working with the Social Welfare and Budget Departments to provide aid for jeepney drivers. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News