MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said it was holding off the deployment of its libreng sakay (free ride) program to avoid competing with jeepney drivers who would not join a metrowide strike. In a Viber message on Thursday morning, MMDA Public Affairs Director Sharon Gentalian said the agency did not want its free ride service to affect the livelihood of drivers still serving commuters. “The agency does not want the free rides to become competition to jeepney drivers who did not join the strike and continue to earn a living and serve commuters,” Gentalian said. Transport groups, including PISTON, announced plans to stage a strike against rising fuel prices and push for fare increases, with multiple strike centers in Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, Marikina, Pasay, Parañaque, Caloocan, and Muntinlupa, where protests and activities are expected throughout the day. Gentalian added that no free rides have been dispatched so far as no stranded passengers have been reported. She said vehicles remained on standby and would only be deployed if and when commuters begin to experience difficulty securing transport. Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and expect possible traffic buildup in areas near identified strike centers.