(UPDATE) SEVERAL schools and universities in and outside Metro Manila suspended classes in anticipation of the nationwide transport strike on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, Malacañang said Sunday.
In a social media post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that the following universities have suspended face-to-face classes: De La Salle University-Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East (Manila and Caloocan), National University, San Beda University (Manila and Rizal), Lyceum of the Philippines University, Adamson University, Our Lady of Fatima University (Pampanga and Laguna), and all branches and campuses of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
Meanwhile, the following local government units suspended face-to-face classes in all levels of public and private schools: Pampanga and Angeles City (October 16 and 17); Santa Rosa, San Pedro and Cabuyao City, all in Laguna; and Marikina City.
Transport group Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) earlier said it would push through with its planned transport strike in protest of the December 31 deadline for the phase-out of traditional jeepneys in connection with the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
A meeting between Manibela and Palace officials was supposed to take place on Sunday but was called off by the transport group after it claimed some parties were trying to "block" the mediation.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Sunday assured the public there would be no transport paralysis on Monday as Manibela claimed.
Abalos said that a vast majority or 95 percent of transport groups will continue to operate and will not participate.
Earlier, transport groups dubbed "Magnificent 7" plus the UV Express Group, also known as "Mighty One," met with Abalos.
The Magnificent 7 is composed of transport groups Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (Piston), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas.
Abalos said they discussed other matters besides the transport strike, including concerns on "kotong."
"We will create a technical working group to address the issues being raised by our transport group leaders," he said.
Abalos said various agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Land Transportation Office, the Department of Transportation, and the police made preparations for the strike.
A multi-agency command center will be set up at the MMDA's head office in Pasig City to monitor the situation.
Vehicles will be prepositioned in strategic areas.
MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said that the agency is expecting the same minimal impact as the previous two strikes, which were both staged by Manibela.