ILOILO CITY -- Jeepney drivers and operators in the province of Iloilo stayed off their routes on Monday at the start of the three-day transport strike against a city ordinance regulating the entry of provincial jeepneys into the city and against the soaring prices of petroleum products.

Proseso Parreño, president of the Federation of Iloilo Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations (Fijoda), said at least 90 percent of their members joined the strike paralyzing routes from Iloilo City to most of the province's 21 towns and Passi City.

Public transport in Iloilo City, however, remained normal because transport groups in the city did not join the strike.

Offices, businesses and schools remained open although there was visible decrease in the number of commuters.