The latest nationwide transports strike in the Philippines forced both public and private school institutions to declare no classes on Monday. The different transport groups that participated on the strike paralyzed majority of the commuters and so even the government offices did not work to avoid any inconvenience.
However, the Malacañang Palace affirmed that the strike would never affect the plan of the current government to modernize the transportation program in the county.
The commitment to pursue the plan is not affected by the latest strike.
“The Administration remains committed to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is long overdue,” said Ernesto Abella in his statement as quoted by the news online.
He continued saying that, “there were several attempts in the past to modernize the public transport system but these have been thwarted due to similar transport strikes, which unfortunately resulted in an outdated public transport system.”
Ernesto Abella is the current Presidential Spokesperson of Malacañang.
The strike is actually for two days as stated by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper and Operaytor Nationwide (PISTON), which is the main transport group that does not want to accept the modernization program of the government.
In the new scheme or program targeting the Public Utility Vehicles (PUV), the government will phase out those units that are already 15 years and up. They will need to apply for replacement and issued with PUVs that feature eco-friendly systems. PISTON is strongly opposing this idea and believe it will the operators and drivers suffer from the huge expenses they need to repay the loaned vehicle.
In an effort to provide the exact transport assistance to stranded and troubled commuters because of the suspended classes, the government prepared the necessary vehicles available for these people on the roads.
The Presidential Spokesperson revealed the preparedness of the government.
It coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and some Local Government Units (LGUs) in providing the best transport assistance on Monday.
Of course, the available vehicles are free of cost for all the commuters.