DILG downplays the transport strike

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. halted Manibela's planned statewide transport strike after receiving guarantees from the country's biggest transportation associations that they would not participate. Abalos had a meeting with the "Magnificent 7" and "Mighty One" to discuss his worries.

“I’m very, very sure that there will be no paralysis of traffic. Everyone — along with the PNP (Philippine National Police), MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) — will be there to assist us,” he said at a press briefing on Sunday.

The "Magnificent 7" are Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas, while the "Mighty One" is UV Express.

Manibela has declared a statewide strike for an "indefinite" period beginning Monday to protest the phaseout of traditional jeepneys as part of the government's public utility vehicle modernization program, as well as alleged corruption at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

During protests, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying officers and cars to provide free transportation. Several universities have discontinued in-person classes in favor of online learning. Online learning will be implemented at De La Salle University, the University of Santo Tomas, National University, and the Lyceum of the Philippines.

Off-site synchronous classes will also be offered at Adamson University, the University of the East, and San Beda University. Undergraduate and graduate classes will also be offered online at Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City has opted not to suspend schools, while Muntinlupa City has decided not to postpone courses.