LTFRB ready for PISTON strike
Other public transport groups are not joining the three-day protest against the PUV modernization program deadline.
Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III on Saturday assured the commuting public of minor inconvenience from the nationwide strike of a public transport group this week.
Guadiz recommended that local government units do not suspend classes as he revealed that several transport groups in Central Visayas will not join the protest of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide from 20 to 23 November.
PISTON is staging the three-day transport stoppage to protest the government’s 31 December 2023 deadline for all public jeepney owners and operators to comply with the guidelines of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
The LTFRB chief disclosed that Regional Director Ed Montealto of LTFRB-7 has submitted to his office copies of manifestos from different Central Visayas transport groups pledging 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 riding public on Monday.
“We, the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives, unanimously commit to serve our commuting public and will not join any transportation strike,” the FCTC stated in its manifesto dated 16 November 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 read.
“Transport strikes often disrupt transport services, leading to economic losses and potential safety risks for commuters,” it added.
For its part, Kaluha Twin 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.
“As a responsible corporate entity, we prioritize the welfare and convenience of our commuters and the Filipino people whom we serve,” Kaluha Twin said.
The LUTG, meanwhile assured that they “will not participate (in) the said unhealthy activity.”
Nine members of the LUTG that signed the manifesto committed to operate on Monday.