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Despite what the government describes as minimal effects on public transport, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) lauded protesting operators and drivers on their decision to call off the rest of the planned weeklong transport strike.

LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the decision will eventually benefit the commuters who suffered glitches in going to their workplaces and destinations due to shortage of vehicles.

Guadiz also expressed gratitude to the leaders of the protesting Manibela and Piston transport groups to be open to discussions anew regarding the improvements that have to be undertaken as the government pushes for the modernization of the public utility vehicles (PUVs).

“We have never wavered in asking our friends from MANIBELA and PISTON to sit down with us, to thresh out their concerns about the PUVMP and the modernization of the public transportation industry. We are glad they listened to our President,” said Guadiz.

The transport strike was originally planned from March 6 to 12, the man issue was the LTFRB’s decision to set June 30 as the deadline for operators and drivers of traditional jeepneys to consolidate into cooperatives or corporation as a main requirement for the extension of the Provisional Authority to operate until Dec. 31 this year.

The protesting transport groups complained on the little time given for them to comply, resulting in the staging of the transport strike, which the LTFRB first tried to offset by rescinding the Memorandum Circular that paved the way for the extension of consolidation deadline until the end of this year.

“They (transport groups) can all take this opportune time to finally sit down and help each other come up with an effective public transportation modernization program that is responsive and inclusive not only of their needs but also that of the commuting public, who will ultimately benefit from a modernized, progressive, efficient, comfortable and safe commuting experience,” said Guadiz.

Organizers of the transport strike decided to call off the remaining days of the protest action, saying they have already achieved their goals when the government urges them to go back to the negotiation table. 

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