Palace ‘not intimidated’ by transport strike

Malacañang said it will “not be intimidated nor cowed” by the scheduled nationwide transport strike happening Monday, September 30, “coming from those who only think of their own parochial interest.”

In a statement released Sunday, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the modernization of the country’s public transport system is long overdue.

The modernization of the public transport system, particularly of public utility jeepneys, was among President Rodrigo Duterte’s biggest promises when he assumed office.

“While we will not dissuade the drivers and operators of public utility vehicles to join the proposed nationwide protest tomorrow, September 30, we caution them, however, to assemble peacefully and not perform acts of violence that will endanger the safety of the general public,” the statement read.

The Palace also instructed concerned agencies to prepare their respective Joint Quick Response Teams on Transportation to aid commuters who will be affected by the strike.

At least two major transport groups—PISTON and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO)—have announced their participation in the transport strike.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, ACTO president Efren De Leon said that their objection was the cancellation of franchises as part of PUV modernization. 

“‘Yung sinasabi natin, bakit may kalakaran ang LTFRB na i-wash out lahat ‘yung mga prangkisa namin, i-surrender na? Ang lumalabas, new applicant na kami. Pag new applicant na kami, ‘yung ruta namin na inaasahan namin, papasukan na kami ng kapitalista,” De Luna said.

“Kailangan linawin ng gobyerno ‘yun. Kung talagang modernization lang ang hinahanap, hindi na kailangan mag-surrender kami ng prangkisa. Ang kailangan na lamang ay substitution. ‘Yung lumang sasakyan namin, papalitan namin ng bago,” he added.

Threat of franchise cancellation

The Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have both warned that operators who participate in the strike action on Monday may have their franchises cancelled.

“Kapag ito’y idinaan nila sa isang strike or tigil-pasada ‘yan, mangyayari makakansela ‘yung kanilang mga prangkisa. ‘Yun ang reminder ng ating departamento sa mga magsa-strike,” DOTr Undersecretary Mark De Leon said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III argued that the transport strike would violate the agency's Memorandum Circular #2011-004, which says that any protest that causes passenger discomfort was a violation of the franchise given by the government to operators.

Walang pasok

Some cities in Metro Manila and in other areas have cancelled classes due to the expected transport strike.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, meanwhile, has exempted public utility vehicles (PUVs) from the number coding scheme for Monday. — Julia Mari T. Ornedo/BM, GMA News