Various transport groups have called off their planned transport strikes on Friday, August 7, and Monday, August 10, after hearing the assistance measures introduced by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to help drivers and operators cope with rising fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
The DOTr’s actions were in response to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide assistance to sectors most affected by the oil price hike.
According to Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez, the DOTr will continue working to address the needs of the public transport sector and commuters.
“The DOTr still needs to look for other initiatives to provide additional assistance to our transport sector. Again, our objective remains the same—we will not pass this burden on to the commuting public. Instead, the national government will absorb the impact,” Secretary Lopez said.
Earlier, Secretary Lopez met with leaders of various transport groups to explain the government’s measures to support their sector. He also listened to their concerns and assured them that the government would address these issues.
Pasang Masda National President Roberto Martin expressed gratitude, saying they have felt the government’s support and appreciate the DOTr’s efforts to respond to their needs. As a result, the group decided to withdraw its planned strike.
“Yesterday, we held a meeting here at the Secretary’s office. Pasang Masda, BUSINA, ALTODAP, and several other groups had planned a transport holiday for Friday, but we had not yet announced it to the media. During the meeting, the Secretary explained the assistance that the government is now extending to us. As National President of Pasang Masda, I decided to call off our strike tomorrow. I thank the Secretary because he served as our bridge to President Bongbong Marcos regarding the additional two-peso fuel subsidy,” Martin said.
ALTODAP President Melencio Vargas also thanked the DOTr for the measures being implemented.
“I would like to thank our honorable Secretary. He has become the bridge that enabled us to receive this assistance. I believe that with what we have achieved today, there is no longer any reason for us to stage a strike. After all, who would suffer? It would only be the commuting public. The government is willing to help us, and what has been provided is already a significant boost to the transport sector. That is why ALTODAP, together with all our leaders, has decided that on Monday we will continue operating to serve our passengers,” Vargas said.
The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) also announced that it would not participate in the transport strike because of the government’s continued support for the sector.
“Our group will not push through with any transport strike. The government has been addressing our concerns and has not neglected us, through the leadership of Secretary Banoy Lopez and LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza. They continue to provide assistance to our sector. Therefore, FEJODAP will not stop its operations,” said FEJODAP National President Deo Sotto.
Aside from Pasang Masda, ALTODAP, and FEJODAP, the groups BUSINA, ACTO, and Stop and Go also confirmed that they would not join the transport strike.
Secretary Lopez also met with Manibela Chairperson Mar Valbuena, together with Transportation Senior Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, and LTFRB Board Member Atty. Greg Pua Jr.
According to Manibela Chairperson Valbuena, their organization will still discuss whether to withdraw its planned strike on Monday.
Meanwhile, LTFRB Chairman Mendoza urged transport leaders to continue working with the DOTr to develop measures that would better address the sector’s needs.
“You have a deeper understanding of what is happening on the ground, and that is exactly what we want to hear. We want the programs we roll out to reflect what people truly need and to be responsive to the problems faced by your groups,” Mendoza said.
