00:00The administration has always risen up to the challenge of public transport groups who go on strike with the intent to hurt the commuter sector and hopefully turn them against the government.
00:11Our Denise Osorio has more on the fleet of buses and automobiles the government fielded out on designated roadways to help stranded commuters get to their destinations free of charge.
00:22The government is laying out free transport for commuters likely to be caught up in today's transport sector's protest up to Friday the 19th.
00:33LTFRB Chairman Tiofilo Guadiz III says government vehicles, military lorries, buses and modernized public utility vehicles are being deployed to help keep the public moving.
00:44The MMDA has also given its assurance that extra vehicles are on standby if need be.
00:50Some passengers say they understand the grievances of the transport groups but hope the strike won't spell misery for ordinary travelers.
00:58Beth, who lives in Montalban and works in Cubao, said she turned up two hours late because of the stoppage.
01:04Ano po, tigil pasada, kaya ang hirap magsung makai po.
01:09Madalas po may mga dito na nag-aangkay din kapag ano.
01:12Pag wala mo naman po transfer, is right?
01:14Ayan po medyo mahirap po kasi ang dami po nag-aagawan sa ano.
01:17Sana lang po may mapanagon na po sila.
01:20Sana naman po magawa naman nila ng aksyon yung mga ganyang korupsyon.
01:26Not all drivers joined the protest. Some chose to keep working to support their families.
01:56Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard are also offering free rides to those affected by the strike.
02:06These services run from September 17 to 18 with its route starting at Welcome Rotonda to Quezon City Circle and back from 6 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
02:16Local and national government units stress that free rides will not only be available during protests but also in times of calamity such as typhoons and severe flooding.
02:27Denise Osorio for the National Television Network for a new and better Philippines.
