Drivers urged to stage rally instead of strike

Cebu City councilor Sylvan "Jack" Jakosalem, chairman of the council's committee on transportation, called on public utility jeepney drivers to just stage a rally when airing their grievances against the government instead of staging a transport strike.

Jakosalem explained that staging a rally would be more effective in airing drivers' sentiments, particularly on the issue of the implementation of the Expanded Value Added Tax law.

He believed that many jeepney drivers find it disadvantageous to join the protest, just like last week's, as they are dependent on a day-to-day income.

A 65-year-old retired policeman in barangay Labangon supported Jakosalem's suggestion that instead of staging a transport strike, the off-duty drivers should just hold a rally.

"Bitaw, husto na ang sugyot ni konsehal Jakosalem kay kon mag-strike ang mga draybers, kaming mga sumasakay maoy magkalisod-lisod (Councilor Jakosalem's suggestion is right. If drivers would go on strike, we the riding public are the ones affected)," college student Marieven Tuico also said.

Shoe repairman Joel Bering also suggested that drivers out to stage a transport strike should do such for one week straight, and not only for a day.

But jeepney driver Avelino Gerona explained that it is impossible for them to stage a one-week strike, unless their operators would support them by providing food for them and their families.

Rudy Laconza, president of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Member Intra-City, failed to get the support of the majority of the jeepney drivers last week because he reportedly was not able to coordinate with other transport groups.

The group of Laconza was out on a protest last week against the implementation of the eVAT tax law that they blamed to have caused the sudden increase in fuel prices and some basic commodities. - Rene U. Borromeo