BACOLOD City – The Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE) and the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (Febacda) will not join the nationwide transport strike.
Metro Manila-based transport groups announced plans to hold a three-day transport strike beginning July 24, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address.
Eduardo Asis, secretary general of SSTONE, and Elizabeth Katalbas, secretary general of Febacda, shared the same sentiments about the protest.
Katalbas said the local government has been supportive, especially on the problem of jeepney franchise, since some Febacda members whose traditional jeepneys are plying the city with no franchise or registration were not apprehended.
“Indi kami mag-strike kay ginasuportahan namun si mayor,” Katalbas said.
On his part, Asis said there is no reason for them to hold a strike since SSTONE’s plight in the renewal of franchise for the provisional authority of the traditional jeepneys has been resolved.
“The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board granted us an extension for a provisional authority until Dec. 31, 2023. It is a big help for us to continue to earn a living because of the help of the city government,” Asis pointed out./PN
