QC to offer 'libreng sakay' on Oct. 16 amid planned transport strike

The Quezon City government on Friday said it would offer free rides (libreng sakay) to commuters via its Q City Bus service on Monday, October 16.

The local government unit said it would deploy additional Q City Bus units in Routes 4, 6, and 7 to service passengers who may be affected by the planned transport strike of some groups.

Route 4 is from QC Hall to General Luis. Route 6 is from Quezon City Hall to Gilmore, while Route 7 is from Quezon City Hall to C5 Road and Ortigas Avenue Extension.

It added that it would also deploy traffic enforcers from the city's Traffic and Transport Management Department to assist motorists and commuters.

Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (MANIBELA) on Saturday said its planned transport strike would push through on Monday.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday, MANIBELA president Mar Valbuena said meetings with members will take place within the day regarding their planned strike against the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) deadline for the consolidation of traditional jeepneys as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The transport group, however, said anything is still possible, especially if they will be able to come up with an agreement with the government before Monday.

Jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives under the PUV modernization program, which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles powered by more environment-friendly fuels until December 31, 2023.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Procopio Lipana on Friday said the agency will not give free ride service unless there is a demand for it.

"Hindi tayo magfi-field ng libreng sakay unless may demand sapagkat kung magfi-field tayo, ang mapeperwisyo ay iyong mga hindi sasama sa tigil-pasada. Mukhang MANIBELA lang ang magsasagawa ng tigil-pasada. 'Yung Magnificent 7 [na transport groups] ay nag-signify na hindi sila sasama sa tigil-pasada," Lipana said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(We won't field vehicles giving free rides unless there is a demand because if we field service units, those who will not join the transport strike will be affected. It looks like MANIBELA is the only group that will conduct the strike. The [transport groups belonging to the] Magnificent 7 said they would not join it.)

The Philippine National Police on the other hand on Friday said it is ready to give "libreng sakay" to affected commuters on Monday, according to a report on Super Radyo dzBB by Luisito Santos. —KG, GMA Integrated News