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By Angelo S. Samonte Reporter
The government said it is ready
to deal with the nationwide transport strike planned by transport
organizations on Monday, assuring there would be enough government
vehicles to transport stranded commuters.
“We are prepared to deal with
this kind of situation. The AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines and
PNP (Philippine National Police] could offer free rides. The MMDA
will also transport people as well as the LGUs with their own
vehicles,” Deputy Press Secretary Anthony Golez said.
Golez also appealed to
organizations planning the strike not to resort to violence
encouraging them to negotiate with appropriate government agencies
that could address their concerns.
“We hope that the strike would
be peaceful, and protesting drivers will let other drivers ferry
passengers. It’s better that they talk with the government, sit
with our officials and settle the issue in a proper forum,” he
said.
He agreed, however, that
transport organizations have the right to air their views and
conduct protest actions.
Militant transport groups
planning a strike on Monday said they want the expanded value added
tax (EVAT) and the Oil Deregulation Law scrapped to stop the series
of oil price increases.
The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng
Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) has called for the mass
action on Monday, May 12. However, it stressed that it was not
seeking any fare hike, but raising a call for the scrapping of the
EVAT and the Oil Deregulation Law.
Meanwhile, the militant labor
federation Kilusang Mayo Uno said it was supporting Piston’s move
to establish strike centers in time for Monday’s transport
holiday.
The militant labor group said it
is taking opportunity on May 12 to push for the P125-legislated wage
hike.
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