By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the first day of the planned two-day transport strike, local transport group United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC), through its Secretary-General Diego Malacad, announced they were calling off their demonstration after Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya said he would raise their concerns before Congress.
Malacad had earlier met with the congressman at the latter’s office, where he submitted the organization’s position paper and concerns regarding the implementation of the Traffic Crisis Act of 2016, which aims to phase out vehicles aged 15 years and older.
Unlike previous transport strikes, the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (FEBACDA) and the Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE) did not participate.
Prior to the protest cancelation, Malacad claimed around 70 percent of the transportation grid would be affected; however, Bacolod City schools division superintendent Cynthia Demavivas reported 80 to 90 percent of students attended yesterday’s opening of classes.
Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr., meanwhile, said the country needs to modernize its transport system and insisted on the phase out of old vehicles.
In a press conference at the Provincial Capitol yesterday morning, the governor said provincial employees were not affected by the strike./WDJ