MANILA — Classes in Manila, whether physical or online, will proceed as scheduled during the planned transport strike from September 17 to 19, Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said..

“Oo, tuloy ang eskwela. It cannot be held hostage, eh. Life must go on,” Domagoso told members of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Press Club.

The mayor said the city will observe “maximum tolerance,” in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instructions, while preparing support measures for the public. He added that assistance will also be provided to both protesters and police, with details to be announced soon.

“Meron ka kaming gagawing tulong. Oo, tulong ’yan. Makikita niyo ’yun, magugulat kayo, eh. We’ll announce it soon,” he said, emphasizing that the aid is meant “for everyone.”

Domagoso urged demonstrators to express their protests peacefully and avoid vandalism, warning that repeated damage to public property would result in additional costs for the city.

“Basta ang pakiusap lang natin ay iwasan lang nila ’yung vandal-vandal. Pwede sila magkabit, magsabit, okay na ’yan,” he said, noting that the city already seeks donations from paint manufacturers to cover repainting costs.