Piston willing to join transport strike if...

MANILA, Philippines - Members of transport group Piston did not join another transport organization in staging a strike in Manila because they did not know the issues involved, an official said on Monday.

Piston national president George San Mateo said members of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines had not informed them of their plans.

"Di kasi namin alam yung isyu na pinaglalaban at di sila nagcoordinate. They left us in the dark dyan sa pagkilos nila. Kung makatarungan naman ang isyu wala naman problema sa amin yun," San Mateo said.

He said  Fejodap leaders groups could have informed them and explained the issues involved in the strike to muster more people for transport sector's cause.

"Di sila nagpaabot at di sila nag-reach out para ipaliwanag sana nila sa amin ang isyung involved...kung pabor sa drayber at mamamayan ay handa naman lagi ang Piston makipagkaisa at makipag joint action," San Mateo added.

To date, Piston has a membership of 200,000 nationwide, with 50,000 based in Metro Manila, San Mateo said.

Fejodap members on Monday morning staged a strike in Manila to protest the alleged unjust apprehension of their drivers by Manila traffic enforcers.

Fejodap president Zenaida Maranan claimed that the Manila traffic bureau has been dragging its feet in releasing the jeepney drivers' licenses.

Maranan also claimed the systematic giving of grease money to traffic policemen in Manila, particularly in Blumentritt.

For its part, the Manila City government urged the transport group members to put their complaints on paper for local officials could act on it.