MANILA – The Malacañang said they were “not intimidated nor cowed” by Monday’s nationwide transport strike opposing the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement that the modernization program by President Rodrigo Duterte on the country’s public transport system is long overdue.
“The Malacañang will not be intimidated nor cowed by the scheduled nationwide transport strike coming from those who only think of their own parochial interest,” Panelo said.
“While we will not dissuade the drivers and operators of public utility vehicles to join the proposed nationwide protest, we caution them, however, to assemble peacefully and not perform acts of violence that will endanger the safety of the general public,” he added.
The strike was organized by members of PISTON and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization to protest the government’s PUV modernization program.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier threatened to suspend or cancel operators and drivers’ franchises of those who participated in the transport strike.
The modernization of the public transport system, particularly of public utility jeepneys, was among President Duterte’s biggest promises when he assumed office on June 30, 2016./PN
