Transport groups to go on strike over extortion

MANILA, Philippines — At least seven transport groups have warned yesterday that they will stage another transport holiday if alleged extortion activities by some barangays remain unaddressed by Metro Manila’s chief executives.

This is a different strike from the transport holiday on Monday planned by Manibela to protest the public utility vehicle modernization program.

Pasang Masda president Obet Martin said that they want to discuss the problems with local officials but will not hesitate to stage the holiday in Metro Manila and nearby provinces if the problem is not solved.

He noted that at some terminals, operators are being asked to pay local enforcers as high as P5,000 per week.

There are also some routes wherein enforcers charge jeepney drivers P20 to ply the streets.

Lando Marquez, president of the Liga ng Transportayon at mga Operator sa Pilipinas said that they have asked the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to act as a conduit between the transport workers and the mayors.

The two transport leaders declined to name the cities where extortion is rampant, saying they would first ask the mayors for a solution.