By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Two Bacolod City transport groups yesterday announced intentions to join the nationwide transport strike, which will take place on Monday, September 30. In a joint statement issued by Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE) and Federation Bacolod City Drivers Association (Febacda), the demonstration is in protest of the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, which will be implemented on July 1, 2020.
Both groups said they strongly oppose the phase out of old PUVs, along with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) proposal to consolidate franchises.
They claimed, under the LTFRB’s plans, all transport cooperatives will ultimately be abolished and absorbed by corporations.
The groups noted, several transport cooperatives have already met a host of problems such as the unavailability of spare parts.
Both SSTONE and Febacda added, the strikes will take place from 5:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB issued a warning to those participating in the strike and said their franchise permits will either be suspended or revoked.
They also claimed the strike will “bring an unnecessary inconvenience.”
The Bacolod City government has also not yet announced a suspension of classes, although, as of press time, La Consolacion College-Bacolod said they would suspend classes on Monday./DGB, WDJ