DOTr employees to protest transfer to Clark

Some employees of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have voiced their opposition to the agency's impending transfer to Clark, Pampanga, saying the long travel may affect their health and rob them of time with their families.

A report by GMA News' Saleema Refran on Balitangtahi on Thursday said the workers will stage a silent protest on Friday to show their opposition to the transfer.

"Maayos naman kami dito, bakit lilipat pa kami doon? Ang layu-layo ng pamilya namin, nandito 'yung mga bahay namin," an emotional employee said in the report.

"Ilang oras na lang ang itutulog namin. Paano na lang' yung health namin? Paano 'yung kalusugan namin?" asked another.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has said the transfer of office from the Columbia Tower in Mandaluyong City to Clark "is dictated by wise and sound judgement not only for DOTr but for the country as a whole."

He said the move would help "decongest certain areas in the metropolis."

For her part, Transportation Assistant Secretary Leah Quiambao said by transferring to Clark, DOTr will be able to save the national coffers P9 million a year.

"Makukuha po ito dahil mas mababa po ang rental cost sa Clark at kami po ay kikita rin sa pagpaparenta sa aming mga units dito sa Columbia Tower," she said.

The report said there would be daily shuttle services and other benefits that will be provided to the affected employees, who will also be given the option to ask for a transfer to other DOTr offices.

Despite this, Beth Lunzaga, the spokesperson of the employees association, said the move did not consider the welfare of the employees, although Quiambao said DOTr officials are open to a dialogue with them.

At present, DOTr employees are busy packing for the transfer, the report said. The soft opening of the new office is scheduled on Sunday. —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK/KVD, GMA News