Transport strike leaders get Palace last-minute warning

Instead of a last-minute appeal, Malacañang on Saturday issued "a last-minute warning" to organizers of Monday’s transport strike, saying their franchises may be at risk. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also reassured commuters that government agencies have readied measures to help them if they are stranded because of the strike. “Ang aming sasabihin, handa tayo pag nag-strike sila (We are ready). Alalahanin natin na ang prangkisang pinanghahawakan natin may obligation (But they should also remember their franchises carry an obligation to serve the public)," she said on government-run dzRB radio when asked if the Palace would issue a last-minute appeal. The militant Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opreytor Nationwide (PISTON) will lead a transport strike on Monday to protest high fuel prices. PISTON made the decision a day after it joined other transport groups in meeting with President Benigno Aquino III to air their concerns. Organizers of the transport strike expect to keep their members’ vehicles off major routes until 5 p.m. Monday. Several government agencies met Friday to discuss “Oplan Grasshopper," where they would help passengers affected by the strike and to deal with those engaged in intimidating public-utility-vehicle drivers who won't join the strike. “Kapag may stranded passengers handa ang pamahalaan tulungan kayo (If there will be stranded passengers, the government is ready to help you)," Valte said. 5,000 cops ready Earlier, the Philippine National Police said some 5,000 of its personnel will be deployed in Metro Manila on Monday to ensure peace and order during the strike. It also assured the public that police buses, trucks, and troop carriers will be available for stranded commuters. Government agencies in Oplan Grasshopper include the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation and Communications, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, PNP Metro Manila office, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, radio dzBB reported Saturday. The dzBB report said Oplan Grasshopper will particularly watch out for drivers and operators intimidating other drivers still plying their routes. It quoted MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino as saying those caught in the intimidation tactics will face to the law. — LBG, GMA News