Transport groups warned: Strike and lose franchise

source: abs-cbn
MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned transport groups today their franchises would be cancelled if the planned “national protest” on Thursday would paralyze the transport system.

In an interview with ANC, LTFRB chairman Nelson Laluces said “I don’t know how they will do it…For us, as long as there is shortage of jeeps in a route, that would already redound to a violation of the franchise. Whatever way you do it, passengers should not be affected.”

He stressed the LTFRB would not think twice in cancelling franchises, even those of jeepneys. “The jeeps have their own routes, we can trace the operators,” he said.

Piston Secretary-General George San Mateo said, however, “we are responsible groups…We hope you do not treat us like the buses. This is a public interest case…We understand [LTFRB] is just doing the job, but I hope it recognizes the rights of the drivers.”

San Mateo explained the protest on March 31 will not only include the transport sector, but also workers and the youth who are against the incessant increase in fuel prices.

The public woke up to another round of increase this morning. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Chevron Philippines increased prices of unleaded gasoline by P0.70 per liter, regular unleaded by P0.85/liter, diesel by P0.40/liter and kerosene by P0.20/liter.

It is only in Mindanao that groups called for a strike, San Mateo said. He explained fuel prices there are more expensive.

The transport sector is calling on a probe into the incessant increase in prices on the back of supposed studies claiming these are over and above the normal range, he said.

He claimed prices are overpriced by P7.50 per liter. If the government also scraps the value-added tax, this would result to savings of P6 per liter.

PNP ready for transport strike

The Philippine National Police said it is ready for Thursday's planned strike by transport groups.

Metro Manila police chief Nicanor Bartolome said he expects the protest to be peaceful but they are ready to deploy 5,000 policemen if needed/

He added the police and other government agencies are ready to assist the riding public including giving free rides.

Bartolome advised motorists to avoid Quezon Avenue and the Mendiola area.

source: abs-cbn