Group supports LTFRB-7 chief

The Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives (FCTC) has expressed its support to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr., and at the same time condemning the planned transport strike next week.

Representatives from at least six cooperatives under FCTC were all praises for Montealto, while the other transport groups in Cebu who were planning to hold a strike, mainly demanding for his dismissal from government service for various allegations.

FCTC disclosed they sent a letter to the president for Montealto’s retention in office, amidst a call for the latter’s ouster.

“His (Montealto’s) leadership approach is unprecedented. He acts swiftly without any bias and his office is always open for dialogues to any issues/concerns of the transport cooperatives. We attest (that) up to this date we have not heard anyone that was deprived of his ample time. Above all, his integrity is unquestionable,” read part of their letter.

The same letter also expressed support for the full modernization of jeepneys.

The FCTC also assured the riding public that they are not joining the strike next week.

“Hundred percent among gi-condemn ug gi-oppose and dili gyud mi moapil aning ilang strike next week,” said Novy Medallo, chairman of FCTC, in a press conference yesterday.

“Wala man gud ni siyay padulngan. Atong gobyerno, ang LTFB open any time and motabang sa gustong mag-modernize. They are hostaging sa kaning mga mananakay,” added Medallo.

Medallo pledged to transport passengers and not to cause inconvenience to the commuters.

"Hangyo lang ko sa atoang mga kaubanan sa transport nga dili nalang nato i-sakripisyo atoang mga mananakay, atong mga trabahante, atong mga estudyante," Medallo said.

FCTC is also willing to provide additional vehicles should the strike affect the riding public.