MANILA, Philippines — A transport group said at least 40,000 jeepney drivers in Metro Manila will participate in the three-day strike starting today, adding that the suspension of classes and work in government offices is an admission that the mobilization can paralyze public transportation.
In an interview with The STAR yesterday, Manibela president Mar Valbuena said that everything is prepared for the scheduled transport strike.
“Everything is set as at least 40,000 jeepney drivers will join the strike in Metro Manila, and at least 200,000 nationwide,” Valbuena said.
He said that jeepney drivers were happy with the issuance of Memorandum Circular number 25, suspending classes in all levels as well as work in government offices in Metro Manila.
“I felt respect after the issuance of the proclamation. This only proves that Malacañang is not belittling the transport strike. While they did not say it directly, no less than Malacañang acknowledged our strength,” Valbuena said.
He added that the memorandum circular issued by the Palace contradicted the earlier statement of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III after he belittled the transportation strike, saying only 2,000 jeepneys are expected to participate in the three-day protest.
“It’s understandable (the statement of LTFRB) as this is a battle of tactics, but no less than Malacañang who announced it (suspension proclamation) that’s why when we read it, our members were happy as it was an admission that the Palace acknowledged our cause,” Valbuena said.
He noted that the suspension of classes and work in government offices was due to the transport strike and not the possible impact of severe Tropical Storm Egay.
“They were using the typhoon as one of the reasons, even though the effect is not yet felt. We experienced flooding in Metro Manila but suspension was not done before,” Valbuena noted.
According to him, transport groups can opt to stop the strike with the Palace suspension order.
“The Palace suspension order can already be a basis for us to reconsider our three-day strike, but we will still push through with it to prove that when we say something, we will do it,” Valbuena added.
He said that the group will decide today if the strike will still proceed until Wednesday.
“You will know by Monday if our transport strike will go on (until Wednesday) as two officials, one from LTFRB and one from Malacañang already reached out to me, but I will not disclose their identities yet,” Valbuena added.
He also contradicted the claim of the LTFRB and Philippine National Police (PNP) that members will force other jeepney drivers to join the transport strike.
“There is none. Actually, I even told our members, if they cannot afford to join the transport strike, they can still operate. We have many strategies which we cannot disclose,” he noted.
Valbuena said that the LTFRB failed to address the concerns of jeepney drivers despite constant meetings with the agency.
“I often go to the LTFRB, but it fails to act on our concerns. It’s been five months we are talking to them but we did not get an answer or actions,” he said.
Valbuena said the LTFRB wants to kill traditional jeepneys, as those who availed themselves of the modernization program suffer at least P200,000 monthly losses.
“In Cebu for example, we discovered that traditional jeepneys were not allowed to operate for one year now as the objective is to kill the traditional jeepneys as the cooperatives failed to reach their monthly quota. They said that if our franchises are extended after Dec. 31, their losses will continue,” he said.
Valbuena said that those who will join the transport strike will meet at University Avenue at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for a short program.
“We will assemble at the University Avenue, we hope they will allow us as we have no permit, but it will only be a short program until noon,” he said.
Valbuena said aside from Metro Manila, the transport strike will be felt in other areas in the country, particularly in Regions 3 and 4.
Workers may opt not to report for work
Workers may opt not to report for work today due to inclement weather brought about by storm Egay or because of the transport strike, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said workers may choose or even refuse to report for work “by reason of imminent danger” as provided under Labor Advisory No. 17 of 2022.
“By reason of imminent danger, they can be excused from work,” Laguesma pointed out.
Laguesma noted that the Labor Advisory is still existing and the DOLE can just cite the same for the guidance of workers and employers.
“The employee who fails or refuses to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbance and similar occurrences shall not be subject to any administrative sanction,” he said.
Under the Labor Advisory, however, a worker who did not report for work is not entitled to regular pay, except when there is a favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages during a suspension of work due to inclement weather and similar occurrences.