Drivers lose earnings due to road closures

MANILA, Philippines - Jeepney drivers in Pasay City complained yesterday that they had been losing at least P900 a day since the roads to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) were closed for the papal visit.

One driver, who asked that his name not be used, told The STAR that they had to stay off their route for three hours during the arrival of Pope Francis on Thursday, as the stretch of EDSA and the roads leading to the airport were closed.

“I could have made several trips but I had to stand by to wait until the roads are open again,” he said.

Other drivers aired the same complaint.

Roads to MOA were closed starting at 11 a.m. yesterday as thousands who wished to get a glimpse of Pope Francis lined Macapagal Avenue.

Terminals of jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) en route to southern Metro Manila were also shut down and the public had to walk and pass by several checkpoints before they could enter the MOA area.

A shipping executive said she had to walk for about a kilometer from the World Trade Center in Pasay City, where she parked her car.

Although she had no ticket for the family event with Pope Francis at the MOA Arena, she said she would wait for the papal convoy so she may receive the pope’s blessing.

“I seek pope’s blessing for good health for my family,” she said.

As thousands of people waited yesterday for the arrival of Pope Francis at MOA, souvenir shops that sold shirts, umbrellas, mugs and water jugs were the center of attraction.

A cashier of a food stall said her sales tripled and some of the food items had run out.

A fast-food chain inside the mall was also packed with people who wore papal shirts and carried transparent bags.