Transport strike set next week

MANILA, Philippines — Two transport groups are set to hold a two-day nationwide strike starting Monday following the government’s alleged inaction on their concerns on franchises.

Manibela and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) are set to hold the transport strike on Sept. 23-24.

Ahead of the strike, about 100 members of the groups held a protest action in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office in Quezon City yesterday.

Manibela president Mar Valbuena decried the continued harassment and arrest of their members and asked that they be allowed to register.

The transport strike also comes following the arrest of transport leaders in Bacolod during a protest against the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

They claimed the LTFRB was holding their franchises hostage.

PUV operators said they have not been issued a confirmation certificate needed to register their vehicles.

The groups are also demanding the reissuance of their five-year franchises to operate from the LTFRB.

Last month, President Marcos thumbed down calls to suspend the PUVMP even as the majority of senators signed a resolution calling for its suspension.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the suspension of the PUVMP “could disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits.” — Emmanuel Tupas