Palace warns strikers against crippling public transport

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday warned protesters against holding a transport strike, which will negatively affect the riding public.

“Kinikilala ang karapatang magpahayag ng saloobin sa maayos at mapayapang paraan. Tungkulin din ng pamahalaan na ipatupad ang batas at pairalin ang kaayusan para sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over state-run radio.

(We recognize the right of people to express their opinion in a proper and peaceful way. But it is also the government’s duty to implement the law and ensure order for the sake of the people.)

The Pagkakaisa ng Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) earlier announced that its members will hold a transport strike on Monday, October 27, to protest a government order, which it describes as a mere “money-making” scheme.

The group is opposing Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01, which is being challenged before the Supreme Court, for raising the fine for vehicles without franchise to P1 million for buses, P200,000 for trucks; P50,000 for jeepneys; P 200,000 for vans; P120,000 for sedans, and P6,000 for motorcycles.

“Ang paglahok sa protesta ay hindi ipinagbabawal, ngunit kung ito ay makakaapekto at hindi makasakay ang ating mga kababayan at ang naging sadya nila ay para ihinto ang public transport natin, ito ay isang paglabag sa ipinatutupad na memorandum circular ng LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board),” Coloma said, quoting the LTFRB.

(Based on that principle, the LTFRB said participating in protests is not forbidden but if it would severely affect our fellow Filipinos and cripple the public transport, then it is in violation of a memorandum circular of the LTFRB.)

Coloma urged the jeepney drivers to consider the situation of the commuters and to comply with their franchise and duty as public transportation providers.

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