Strikers urged: Talk to gov't, don't inconvenience commuters

Malacañang has urged striking transport groups to discuss their concerns with the government, particularly the new Department of Transportation leadership, to avoid inconveniencing passengers.

- Alexis Romero and Bella Cariaso

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro yesterday said the impact of a transport strike would be felt not just by the government, but also by commuters, whom she said are "innocent" and are just caught in the middle of the issue.

"Our appeal, and also the appeal of (Transport) Sec. Vince Dizon is for the leadership of Manibela to engage in talks first," Castro said at a press briefing.

The transport strike yesterday was able to paralyze 85 percent of Metro Manila despite government agencies saying that day one of the three-day mobilization was not felt by commuters, transport group Manibela claimed.

“Many schools decided to suspend face-to-face classes and there were also free rides offered,” Manibela president Mar Valbuena told The STAR.

Asked about Dizon’s statement that only 43 percent of operators have had their consolidation approved, Castro said the Palace would study the issue and come up with a solution “favorable to commuters, jeepney operators and drivers.”

Similarly, commuters’ group The Passenger Forum wanted all parties concerned to meet as soon as possible.

“Our call is for the government and the transport groups to sit down so that we will not be severely affected. We sympathize with the drivers but their cause does not help if its impact to the commuters is big,” The Passenger Forum convenor Primo Morillo said in a radio interview.