Transport groups warned vs paralyzing Metro Manila on Thursday
Malacañang on Tuesday warned transport groups against inconveniencing the riding public during their scheduled strike Thursday, saying they could face sanctions. Militant transport groups had earlier said they will mount a nationwide protest against rising fuel prices on March 31. At a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the government is doing everything it can to mitigate the effects of the oil price increases. âWeâd like to give them (transport groups) fair warning here and request from them to reconsider their decision to go on strike," Lacierda said. The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) said this may include a transport strike in parts of Pampanga province in Central Luzon and in Mindanao. In Manila, at least 200 public utility vehicles and 500 drivers and operators will join a transport caravan to Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang. Expected to join them are militant government employees, teachers and youths. âWeâd like to say that if any part of Metro Manila is paralyzed, the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulator Board) shall consider that as an illegal strike and hopefully they will reconsider their decision," Lacierda said.