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Transport strike ends with issuance of EO 712


(Updated 5:47 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines - Transport groups on Tuesday agreed to stop their strike and return to the roads after a meeting with government transport officials, radio dzBB reported. "Para sa kapakanan ng lahat ng transport sector, pumapayag na kaming lahat at sumasang-ayon at ipagpapatuloy na namin ang biyahe simula sa oras na ito," Obet Martin of Pasang-Masda said in a radio interview. Martin said they made the decision after learning that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had issued Executive Order 712 ordering the review of all the orders, rules and regulations the transport groups oppose. He said Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza informed them of the issuance of the EO during their meeting Tuesday morning. "EO 712 ang magiging gabay sa hanay ng transportasyon," Martin said. Martin added the executive order is enough for them for now as it contains the commitment of the President and Mendoza to address the concerns of the transport sector. Pending the review by DOTC of the questioned orders, rules and regulations, Mrs Arroyo, through EO 712, directed the Department of Interior and Local Government to advise local government units to suspend: - the establishment and operations of new and existing transport terminals that charge fees and require compulsory use by public utilityvehicles. - the enforcement of re-routing schemes that violate the authorized routes provided in the franchise of PUVs; - the issuance of new tricycle franchises; - the increase in local fees and charges applicable to public transportation; - the implementation of local programs, projects, and ordinances that have impact on the cost of operations of public utility vehicles without first coordinating and getting the approval of the DOTC to ensure that these programs, projects and ordinances do not prejudice public interest by way of higher transport fares. The President also ordered the DOTC to establish a National Land Transport Policy framework, which shall facilitate the modernization of the land transport industry through the promotion of utility services which are environment-friendly and provide assistance to the transport sector through lease-to-own programs, technical assistance, subsidies and the encouragement of the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy. The EO 712 also paved the way for the implementation of a single ticketing system in Metro Manila in accordance with Republic Act 7924. The DILG was also directed to establish and implement uniform track ban hours. Thousands of passengers were stranded in different parts of Metro Manila due to the strike staged by jeep and bus operators and drivers. Earlier reports have it that thousands of commuters were stranded in Marikina City and Quezon City at the height of the transport strike. The transport strike was launched over several complaints and proposals coming from the transport sector, including the implementation of a single ticketing system. - GMANews.TV
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