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Headline
3-day transport strike starts any time
By J.Lo
"Everything is set as at least 40,000 jeepney drivers will join strike in Metro Manila, and at least 200,000 nationwide," Manibela president Mar Valbuena said transport group ,t least 40,000 jeepney drivers in Metro Manila will participate in three-day strike starting today, adding suspension of classes and work in government offices is an admission mobilization can paralyze public transportation.
In interview Valbuena said everything is prepared for scheduled transport strike.
He said jeepney drivers were happy with issuance of Memorandum Circular number 25, suspending classes in all levels as well as work in government offices in Metro Manila.
"I felt respect after issuance of proclamation… proves Malacañang is not belittling transport strike…while they did not say it directly, no less than Malacañang acknowledged our strength," Valbuena said.
He stressed memorandum circular issued by Palace contradicted earlier statement of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III after he belittled transportation strike, saying only 2,000 jeepneys are expected to participate in three-day protest.
"It's understandable , statement of LTFRB as this is battle of tactics, but no less than Malacañang who announced suspension proclamation that's why when we read it, our members were happy as it was an admission Palace acknowledged our cause," Valbuena said.
He noted suspension of classes and work in government offices was due to transport strike and not possible impact of severe Tropical Storm Egay.
"They were using typhoon as one of the reasons, even though effect is not yet felt…we experienced flooding in Metro Manila but suspension was not done before," Valbuena noted.
According to him, transport groups can opt to stop strike with Palace suspension order.
"Palace suspension order can already be basis for us to reconsider our three-day strike, but we will still push through with it to prove when we say something, we will do it," Valbuena stressed.
He said group will decide today if strike will still proceed until Wednesday.
"You will know by Monday if our transport strike will go on until Wednesday as two officials, one from LTFRB and one from Malacañang already reached out to me, but I will not disclose their identities yet," Valbuena added.
He also contradicted the claim of LTFRB and Philippine National Police (PNP) that members will force other jeepney drivers to join transport strike.
"There is none…actually, I even told our members, if they cannot afford to join transport strike, they can still operate…we have many strategies which we cannot disclose," he noted.
Valbuena said LTFRB failed to address concerns of jeepney drivers despite constant meetings with agency.
"I often go to LTFRB, but it fails to act on our concerns…it's been five months we are talking to them but we did not get answer or actions," he said.
Valbuena said LTFRB wants to kill traditional jeepneys, as those who availed themselves of modernization program suffer at least P200,000 monthly losses.
"In Cebu for example, we discovered traditional jeepneys were not allowed to operate for one year now as objective is to kill traditional jeepneys as cooperatives failed to reach their monthly quota…they said if our franchises are extended after Dec. 31, their losses will continue," he said.
Valbuena said those who will join transport strike will meet at University Avenue at University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, between 8 and 9 in the morning to for short program.
"We will assemble at the University Avenue, we hope they will allow us as we have no permit, but it will only be short program until noon," he said.
Valbuena said aside from Metro Manila, transport strike will be felt in other areas in the country, particularly in Regions 3 and 4.
Workers may opt not to report for work today due to inclement weather brought about by storm Egay or because of transport strike, according to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said workers may choose or even refuse to report for work "by reason of imminent danger" as provided under Labor Advisory No. 17 of 2022.
"By reason of imminent danger, they can be excused from work," Laguesma pointed out.
Laguesma noted Labor Advisory is still existing and DOLE can just cite same for guidance of workers and employers.
"Employee who fails or refuses to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbance and similar occurrences shall not be subject to any administrative sanction," he said.
Under Labor Advisory, however, worker who did not report for work is not entitled to regular pay, except when there is favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages during suspension of work due to inclement weather and similar occurrences.
PNP is prepared for second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. today as it expects groups from different sectors to hold protests, according to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.
"What is important here is we always practice maximum tolerance…we need to have patience here," Abalos said.
Transport group Manibela will start three-day strike to oppose government's plan to phase out traditional jeepneys.
"I am very sure if there is transport strike, concerned government agencies will help by offering free rides, but of course dialogue is important…we are still hoping it will not push through," Abalos said.
PNP has coordinated with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to prepare for traffic, particularly along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Aerial drones will also be deployed to monitor pedestrian and vehicular movement, according to National Capital Region Police Office.
Labor groups have expressed disappointment with Marcos administration.
"Problems we face today depict more of 'Bigong Pilipinas' rather than 'Bagong Pilipinas' narrative of present administration," Nagkaisa Labor Coalition said in statement.
Nagkaisa will hold protest with United Labor and other federations and organizations to demand legislated wage hike, end to contractualization, cessation of trade union repression, end to red-tagging and justice for victims of drug war-related killings.
Federation of Free Workers vice president Jun Ramirez said workers are in dire need of substantial wage increase.
At least 300 augmentation troops from Regional Mobile Force Battalions in Bataan, Pampanga and Angeles will be deployed to Batasan, Quezon City.
"Our personnel are reminded to observe 'maximum tolerance' and to ensure they respect human rights of protesters as they are again expected to hold rallies... I have also ordered for intensified conduct of checkpoint operations... and guarantee strict implementation of 24-hour gun ban," Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. said.
A 24-hour gun ban will be implemented in Central Luzon and Calabarzon on July 24-25.
Reactionary Standby Support Force composed of 300 PNP personnel from regional headquarters and other provincial police offices has also been organized.
Bulacan Police Provincial Office will deploy 271 personnel at border control points and toll gates.
PNP will be placed under full alert status on July 23-25.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert on July 24,2023 in preparation for SONA and possible effects of Severe Tropical Storm Egay.
PCG's districts in National Capital Region-Central Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Bicol are on heightened alert, according to PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu.
Deployable response groups are on standby to conduct rescue operations in provinces that may be affected by Egay.
Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla has directed station commanders to constantly monitor storm's trajectory and coordinate with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management offices.
Abu coordinated with Philippine Ports Authority and Maritime Industry Authority to ensure safety of riding public and all traveling vessels.
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