Transport strike prompts mayor to suspend all classes

CEBU, Philippines - The city government of Roxas declared the suspension of classes at all levels yesterday following the one-day transport strike.

Mayor Alan Celino called for the suspension of classes after transport groups under Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and Hugpong Transport pushed through with the nationwide strike.

Senior Superintendent Ulysses Caton, chief of Capiz Police, said nine jeepney routes and nine groups of public utility vans (PUVs) plying the provincial routes joined the transport strike. Two bus companies, however, deferred from joining.

DepEd-Roxas City Supervisor Miguel Mac Apusin confirmed receiving a resolution from Celino's office declaring the suspension of classes due to transport strike.

Edgar Salarda, Piston-Panay president, said some drivers pointed out that the new DOTC fees for traffic violations are higher than their childen's school fees.

Besides Roxas City and Capiz province, no other areas in Western Visayas joined the transport strike, although in Iloilo province the members of Piston-Panay held a protest action in front of the LTO and LTFRB offices.  (FREEMAN)