Jeepney bus drivers protest against lockdown restrictions in the Philippines

Jeepney bus drivers protest against lockdown restrictions in the Philippines

Furious jeepney bus drivers protest against coronavirus restrictions in the Philippines which are preventing them from working.

The workers converged on roads in Quezon City as the government relaxed lockdown measures but still prohibited the drivers from working.

Jeepneys - a cross between a jeep and a bus - are one of the most popular forms of transport in Manila.

Residents complained that were was a lack of public transport options despite the Covid-19 lockdown being eased, which lead to chaotic scenes with crowds of people waiting on the roads.

The Metro Manila had been under almost 80 days of strict stay-at-home measures which is one of the longest in the world.

Each region follows a different stay-at-home measure which is based on the area's coronavirus risk level assessed by the local government.

Recently, the country had shifted from the Enhanced Community Quarantine which closes down all businesses except food and health sectors, into General Community Quarantine which allows more industry to operate.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade asked the public to be more understanding of the situation.

He said: "We are asking for your patience and understanding.

We did not promise that we can provide the enough and extensive transportation during the first day of GCQ or even in the duration of GCQ."