LTFRB: Transport strike will fizzle out

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) assured the public yesterday that there will be no interruption in transport services despite a nationwide strike declared by some transport groups.

LTFRB chairman Thompson Lantion said majority of the transport groups, including jeepney operators in Metro Manila, have assured him during a dialogue Tuesday night that they will not join the planned strike.

“We have already coordinated with bus operators for deployment of buses in areas affected by the strike,” Lantion told The STAR. “Just like what happened in the past, the transport strike is expected to fizzle out.”

Lantion also warned militant drivers against harassing colleagues who are not on strike, saying that while the government respects the right of driver to air their grievances, it will not tolerate anarchy in the streets.

“The police and other law enforcement agencies will be on standby to respond to any form of harassment against drivers and the riding public,” he said.

The militant group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) called on the public yesterday to go to its “strike centers” in Caloocan; Malabon; Navotas; Valenzuela; Alabang in Muntinlupa City; Novaliches, Cubao, the corner of Kalayaan and Kamias streets and Philcoa in Quezon City; Aduana Circle in Port Area, Manila; Pacita Complex in San Pedro, Laguna and the stretch between San Pedro and Alabang.

Piston is protesting the series of oil price hikes it claims was staged by the oil firms and the Arroyo administration.

In Muntinlupa, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac said the city government will use its service vehicles to provide free rides to commuters between Barangay Tunasan and Alabang.

Simundac added that the city government has lifted its ban on tricycles on the national road due to the impending strike.           – With Rhodina Villanueva