The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Monday, Oct. 16, that the transport strike spearheaded by Manibela flopped in paralyzing the public transportation in Metro Manila.

“Kung ang purpose ng strike ay i-paralyze ang public transportation, nabigo po sila. Pero kung ang purpose nila ay magpapansin, siguro nagtagumpay sila sa ganoong aspeto. Nabigyan siya ng airtime, na-interview siya,” MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes told reporters during a press briefing.

Despite a passenger buildup in some areas around the metro, Artes described this as mere Monday morning foot traffic.

The MMDA chief also denied the Manibela president’s claim that the government felt intimidated by the transport strike threats following the class suspension declared by local government units (LGUs) that prompted augmentation plans such as free commuter rides.

“Hindi tayo magpapa-hostage sa ganyang pananakot. Ang cancellation ng klase ay call ng mga LGUs. Nag-online classes naman, hindi total cancellation,” Artes said.

“Ang atin pong pamahalaan ay hindi puwedeng i-hostage ng banta ng economic sabotage at inconvenience ng commuting public lalong-lalo na kung ang dine-demand mo ay mali. Tandaan po natin, ang jeepney modernization ay inuutos ng batas. In fact, more than 70 percent na ang compliant diyan,” he added.

Transport group Manibela announced that the transport strike is their protest against the jeepney phaseout, opposing the LTFRB’s extension of traditional jeepneys’ franchises until December 31.

Manibela president Mar Valbuena stated that jeepney modernization cost was “too high” for jeepney drivers and operators to afford.