The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) believe that the Monday transport holiday held by ACTO will not severely impact commuters’ access to transportation in Metro Manila.

In a Monday report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Spokesperson PMaj. Hazel Asilo said transport group ACTO’s activities are mainly being carried out in Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

However, authorities remain prepared to respond to transport strikes and demonstrations expected in the coming days. Asilo said that free rides are also on standby commuters who cannot access transportation services.

“Although wala naman po tayong monitored threats, pero kami naman po sa NCRPO ay nakahanda at ‘yung ating deployed personnel ay naka-ready naman po. Mayroon tayong mga civil contingents na maaaring mag-assist sa ating mga protesters o ‘yung mga magra-rally, gano’n din po ‘yung ating mga police district,” she said.

“Mayroon po silang nakahanda na libreng sakay kung sakaling mayroon man po tayong kababayan na mai-stranded,” she added.

In a separate statement, the MMDA said it has not observed stranded commuters this morning.

Moreover, Asilo said that police have not detected security threats despite MANIBELA, PISTON, and other transport coalitions’ plans to mount protests from March 26 to 27.

According to PISTON National President Mody Floranda, his group will not cease protests until the government suspends the excise tax and value-added tax (VAT) on fuel and repeals the Oil Deregulation Law amid the oil crisis triggered by the Middle East war.

He revealed that jeepney drivers have been taking home only ₱200 to ₱300 a day, even after 12- to 18-hour drives, some even earning only about ₱65, making it almost impossible to make ends meet.