Palace warns transport operators joining strike

MANILA, Philippines – There will be no last-minute appeal from Malacañang for transport groups to stop their plan to go on strike on Monday except to say that they’re “ready”.

AQUINO DIALOGUE WITH TRANSPORT GROUPS. President Benigno S. Aquino III presided over a dialogue in Malacanang with transport groups which, last week, threatened to go on strike over the unabated oil price increases. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Deputy Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte reminded the participating groups that their public transportation franchises carry an obligation not to cause inconvenience to commuters.

“We’re ready,” Valte said on radio when asked if there would be any appeal to dissuade public transport groups from pushing through with the strike.

She indicated the government has prepared contingency measures to provide the riding public with conveyance if the strike disrupts public transportation on Monday.

“Let me just remind that their franchises have corresponding obligations,” Valte said, hinting that the strike would violate the terms of the franchises granted by the government.