By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Two transport groups in Bacolod City said they will not join the transport strike on Monday, May 8, in protest against City Ordinance (CO) No. 966, or the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
Albert Villanueva, chairman of the Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators-Negros (SSTONE), said the planned transport strike was not included in their schedule of activities.
The Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association also will not participate in the strike.
The No to Jeepney Phaseout Movement will hold “Untat Byahe” to be led by the Bacolod Alliance Commuters Operators and Drivers, United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC), and Negros Bacolod Transport Coalition.
The movement is expecting about 200 protesters, composed of traditional jeepney, tricycle and trisikad drivers and operators.
However, Villanueva confirmed that UNDOC secretary-general Diego Malacad approached them with regards to the Untat Byahe.
According to Villanueva, they are currently waiting for the scheduled meeting with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The Bacolod City government unit (LGU) has already created a traditional technical committee.
Villanueva pointed out that the LGU is the only one that could solve the woes of the transport sector in the city.
He added that they respect the stand of the transport groups participating in the strike.
The solution to the transport woes has already presented itself, and only the implementation is lacking, the SSTONE chairman said.
Meanwhile, Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary-general Noli Rosales said there would be a silent protest at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds on Monday.
The group also aims to have a dialogue with Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Councilor Al Victor Espino, the chairperson of the Committee on Transportation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Rosales said traditional jeepneys, tricycles and trisikads will be significantly affected by the LPTRP.
He added that tricycles and trisikads will have to compete with modernized jeepneys plying on the Panaad route in the city’s Barangay Alijis.
“We want CO 966 abolished, or at least reviewed,” Rosales said./DGB, WDJ