Transport strike disrupts classes in Laguna
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones on Thursday, March 19, announced the suspension of in-person classes in both public and private schools across the province due to a nationwide transport strike.
“Modular or online learning will be implemented instead,” Aragones ordered.
The transport group Piston began a nationwide strike on Thursday to protest continued increases in oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East.
READ: Oil, gas prices soar as Iran and US trade threats after Qatar hit
The group is calling for additional subsidies and for the government to allow higher fare increases for public utility vehicles.
On Wednesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the suspension of a planned fare hike for public utility vehicles scheduled for March 19.
He also ordered the rollout of free rides nationwide, along with discounts on train fares and toll fees, to ease the burden on commuters.
The announcement came a day after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved fare increases for jeepneys, buses, airport taxis, and transport network vehicle services.
Marcos said the fare hike should be deferred given the economic strain caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He assured transport workers that the government would expedite and expand cash and fuel subsidies to help offset rising fuel costs. /mcm
