Another jeepney group not to join ‘welga’

Drivers belonging to the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) will not join today’s nationwide strike or "Welgang Bayan" and will continue to transport passengers.

At Malacañang, President Estrada reiterated over radio station dzRH yesterday his earlier pronouncement that "no amount of protest rallies" can force him to step down as the duly-elected head of government.

However, Mr. Estrada appealed anew to businessmen and organized labor groups to consider the greater interest of the Filipino people when they decide to join the general strike and work stoppages, and other forms of civil disobedience.

"So I ask you to be sober for the sake of our country, especially while we have a crisis," he said "Let us follow the voice of the people and not the voice of the few. Let us help one another so that we can overcome this as soon as possible."

Mr. Estrada said he is appealing to the leaders of the resign movement to give him a chance to explain his side through the impeachment proceedings in Congress as provided in the Constitution.

"We have a process in the Constitution," he said. "And it is already in motion and this will roll on. Give me an opportunity to face (trial) at the Senate so we will know the truth."

In San Fernando, Pampanga, Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she will not join the "Welgang Bayan," preferring that workers and businessmen be at the center of today’s protest action.

"I personally think that labor and business groups should take center stage," she said.

Romualdo Maranan, FEJODAP president, told reporters members of his organization would "rather go on with their routine" than allow themselves to be "used by politicians" as pawns. – Sheila Crisostomo, Christina Mendez, Mayen Jaymalin, Non Alquitran, Pia Lee-Brago, Marichu Villanueva, Liberty Dones, Marvin Sy, Paolo Romero, Mike Frialde, Sandy Araneta, Ding Cervantes, Antonieta Lopez, Ben Serrano, Allen Estabillo, Cet Dematera, Eva de Leon, Benjie Villa, Edith Regalado, and Freeman News Service