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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. “We’d 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. “We’d 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.


He said in the previous strikes that happened during the early part of the Aquino administration, members of the transport industry that inconvenienced the public were called to explain their action. “We want to make sure that the riding public will not be prejudiced and if they are so prejudiced, we will consider that as an illegal strike," Lacierda said. He said LTFRB chairman Nelson Laluces had earlier mentioned that he would not hesitate to issue summons to the transport groups “for them to explain why they decided to go through the strike." He said the sanction to be imposed will depend on the explanation of the transport group. He said those who will harass other drivers who will refuse to join the rally will be dealt with accordingly. Lacierda said the transport groups should rethink their position “considering that the problem on the oil price increase is beyond our control." “The events worldwide would show that all of the countries are subject to the concerns in the Middle East. Hindi po natin kasalanan ito pero (This is not our fault but) nonetheless we are trying to address the concerns of the transport industry," he said. He said there are now discussions on ways to help the transport industry, including a possible fuel subsidy on public transport vehicles. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News
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