Classes suspended nationwide
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Local transport group, the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC), yesterday announced they would not be formally joining the two-day nationwide transport strike, set to begin today and run until tomorrow, Tuesday.
According to UNDOC Secretary-General Diego Malacad, the group will not conduct a transport strike in Bacolod City due to the ongoing MassKara Festival. However, he noted, some group members will be joining protests in Cebu City, while another will hold a rally in front of the Bacolod City Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office, located along San Juan Street.
Malacad assured, public transportation in Bacolod City will operate normally.
Over the weekend, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar revealed President Rodrigo Duterte issued a memorandum circular ordering the suspension of classes nationwide today, including all levels at both public and private schools.
He also stated, work at all government offices will be suspended.
Andanar added, the decision to suspend work for private offices would be left to the discretion of the employer.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia signed an executive order yesterday suspending classes on all levels in the city, as well as all work in the city government.
However, offices that deliver basic services such as the City Health Office (CHO), the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), and the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) would remain open.
The transport strike stems from recent oil price hikes, in which transport groups are demanding a fare increase.
UNDOC earlier said they would not be filing a fare hike petition before the LTFRB-Region VI (LTFRB-6), saying transport party-list Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) already submitted one.
Earlier this year, when arguing against the government proposal to do away with obsolete jeepneys, Malacad warned, if the plan went through, fares would rise once public utility vehicles (PUVs) were equipped with engines compliant with Euro 4 emission standards./DGB, WDJ