Drivers' protest rally cripples work, school

CEBU, Philippines - Schools and government offices were forced to suspend operations yesterday afternoon owing to the protest action staged by drivers of public utility jeepneys.

At the courts, Regional Trial Court Executive judge Meinrado Paredes ordered suspension of work by virtue of Circular 110 of the Office of the Court Administrator, which allows executive judges to suspend work in the afternoon for reason of a transport strike.

The prosecutor’s office, likewise, suspended work but continued conducting inquest proceedings until 3pm.

At the City Hall, Mayor Tomas Osmeña provided Kaohsiong Buses to city government employees living in far destinations in the north and south portions of the city.

Several schools also suspended classes.

The provincial government chose to continue operations but provided buses for employees of Capitol at the end of the day.

Drivers went on a protest rally yesterday to oppose the implementation of an Administrative Order of the Department of Transportation and Communication that increased the penalties for traffic violations.

Land Transportation Office Regional Director Raul Aguilus said he understands the drivers’ position but he could not do anything about it, as he was just implementing the order from Manila.

Aguilus said he is willing to help the drivers but the most that he could do is to condone the violations committed prior to March 2. This means, violations committed prior to March 2 will not be included in the computation of the new rate of penalties. — Fred P. Languido, Ferliza C. Contratista, and Johanna T. Natavio/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)