MMDA chair says strikers just after media mileage

Organizers of Thursday's transport strike are just out for media mileage, the head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Thursday. MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando made the claim despite lifting the number coding system for the day, allowing vehicles with plate numbers ending in 7 and 8 to ply major routes during peak hours. "They are banking on media mileage. They want to preen before the cameras to show they can paralyze the metropolis. We should instead go about our usual routine," he said in Filipino on dzEC radio. Fernando advised students and workers not to be absent and report for school or work, after noting that the strike was "hardly" felt as of early Thursday morning. However, he said those who want to go out should stay home to avoid trouble. "But if you just want to go out to have a good time, we suggest you stay home today," he added. - GMANews.TV