Manila, March 23 -- The government will provide libreng sakay (free ride) and increase the number of buses and trains in Metro Manila to assist commuters who may be affected by the three-day strike of transport group Manibela.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, in an advisory shared by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro to the media on Sunday, said additional buses will be deployed along the EDSA busway, while more trains of the Metro Rail Transit-3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 will be made available.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will likewise mobilize freer-ride buses in impacted areas.

Meanwhile, several schools have announced a shift to online mode, some on Monday only while others for the duration of th...