BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) is thankful that transport groups cut short their strike here and in Negros Occidental.
What was originally planned to be a two-day transport holiday ended late Monday afternoon after an agreement was reached between the transport operators and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to hold talks to address issues such as the incessant oil price hike and public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization.
MBCCI Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon said they were not affected by the strike as most of their customers belonged to the “middle class” and therefore did not have problems with transportation.
However, Carbon said the strike clearly affected the “working class” who relied on PUVs such as jeepneys to report to work or go to the market.
Carbon said he is thankful that the transport sector decided to return to their regular operations yesterday, adding that the sector now has a way to air their sentiments to the government without further worsening the commuting public’s situation.
Earlier on Monday afternoon, transport groups led by the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC) ended their transport holiday after Bacolod City congressman Greg Gasataya and House Minority Leader congressman Stephen Paduano mediated.
During the meeting it was agreed that the local transport group will have the chance to talk with the LTFRB with regards to their demands.
UNDOC and the other transport groups in the province have been demanding an end to the excise tax and 12-percent value added tax on fuel./PN
