LTFRB readies for Monday’s transport strike

Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz III on Saturday assured the public that all preparations were in place to ensure that the expected transport strike on Monday would not disrupt commuters.

This was after the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide on Wednesday announced a nationwide transport strike will be held starting Monday, 20 November, and will last until next Thursday, 23 November 2023.

The transport stoppage is in protest of the government's public utility vehicle modernization program that imposed a December 31, 2023 deadline for the public jeepney owners and operators to comply with the guidelines.

Guadiz recommended that local government units not suspend classes on Monday, considering the preparations made by the agency and other concerned agencies.

He added that several transport groups in Central Visayas will not join the nationwide strike set on Monday.

Guadiz disclosed that Regional Director Ed Montealto of LTFRB-7 has submitted to his office copies of manifestos from different transport groups showing their commitment not to join the transport strike.

Transport cooperatives under Kaluha Twin Trading & Services Corp., LUTG Lapu Lapu City United Transport Group, and the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperative committed unhampered services to the public on Monday.

"We, the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives, unanimously commit to serving our commuting public and will not join any transportation strike," the FCTC stated in its manifesto dated November 16 signed by 11 cooperative members.

"We firmly believe that joining the transport strike or any form of activity that will impede the mobility of our services is not in the best interest of our organization, the community, and the overall transportation system," the manifesto added.

The federation further said that "transport strikes often disrupt transport services, leading to economic losses and potential safety risks for commuters."

For its part, KaluhaTwin said it does not support the planned strike and it stands by the government's effort to implement efficient transportation systems that cater to the needs of the public.

"We firmly state that we do not support or endorse the proposed strike. As a responsible corporate entity, we prioritize the welfare and convenience of our commuters and the Filipino people whom we serve," Kaluha Twin said.

"In line with our commitment to serve the Filipino people, Kaluha Twin Trading Services Corporation will not pause or halt our operations during the proposed strike," it added.

The group pointed out that a disruption in public transportation services would cause significant inconvenience to commuters who rely on their services.

The LUTG Lapu Lapu City United Transport Group also submitted its manifesto dated 16 November, assuring that they "will not participate (in) the said unhealthy activity."

The nine members of the transport group signed the manifesto, committing their continuous operations on Monday.