Government agencies are now preparing for the scheduled tansport strike by two major transport groups in protest of President Marcos’s decision not to extend the April 30 deadline for consolidation of all public utility vehicle operators to give way to the modernization program.
On the part of the Philippine National Police (PNP) its spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that they will be mobilizing sufficient forces to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of the strike of Manibela and Piston on Monday, April 15.
Part of the preparation, according to her, is the deployment of vehicles that will provide free rides to the affected commuters.
“We are also coordinating with the transport groups to provide them protection and at the same time, identify protest areas so that their activity will not cause traffic congestion,” said Fajardo.
“We will give them that day because that is their right but of course we will exercise maximum tolerance so that there will not be any trouble if the day comes when they will hold protest actions on the road,” she added.
For its part, the land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it would adhere to its standard operating procedure by coordinating with relevant government agencies and local government units should the transport strike pushes through.
“Rest assured that vehicles offering free rides will once again be dispatched to assist affected commuters,” said LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.
“The LTFRB urges those participating in the strike not to prevent other jeepney drivers from making a living as they need to provide for their families and our commuters,” he added.