LTFRB warns jeep operators on strike

MANILA, Philippines - Citing the fate of the bus operators whose franchises were either cancelled or suspended over a wildcat strike late last year, the government yesterday warned jeepney operators against their planned transport holiday.

An executive of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said those who participate in the planned jeepney strike on Thursday could suffer the same fate as the bus operators.

Manuel Iway, LTFRB board member, said the jeepney operators should not engage in such activity just to air their grievances.

Iway cited the move of the LTFRB to cancel or suspend the franchises of bus firms whose units were found to have participated in the strike last year to protest the inclusion of buses in the number-coding scheme.

“Their services are needed by the riding public,” Iway told The STAR.

Transport group PISTON earlier announced that it would lead a nationwide strike to protest against oil price increases.

But according to Iway, they will send people to go around on the day of the planned strike to see if the transport holiday will affect commuters.

“If there will be fewer jeepneys or none on the roads, we will conduct an investigation on these jeepney operators,” Iway said.

The LTFRB executive said that in such scenario, they will send show cause orders to the jeepney operators for them to explain why they should not be sanctioned.

Iway said they have coordinated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Philippine Army to have vehicles on standby in case there is a need to ferry affected passengers on the day of the strike.