SEVERAL schools and local government units in the National Capital Region and some key cities suspended classes Monday, September 30, amid the transport strike in protest of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

The Supreme Court also suspended work in all courts in the National Capital Region and authorized executive judges outside NCR to exercise discretion on work suspension.

Most of the LGUs have fielded “Libreng Sakay” buses and other vehicles to ferry stranded commuters while the Manila Police District offered free motorcycle rides.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo, in a message late Sunday night, said the Duterte administration will not be intimidated nor cowed by threats of protests and strikes.

He warned that strikers who use violence that will endanger public safety will have their franchises or certificates of public convenience cancelled.

“The modernization of the public transport system is long overdue and the Duterte administration will not be intimated nor cowed by threats of protests and strikes coming from those who only think of their own parochial interest,” Panelo said.

“While we will not dissuade the drivers and operators of public utility vehicles to join the proposed nationwide protest tomorrow, September 30, we caution them however to assemble peacefully and not perform acts of violence that will endanger the safety of the general public, as the government will enforce pertinent laws, rules and regulations, including the cancellation of their privileges, such as franchises or certificates of public convenience,” he added.

Malacañang directed concerned agencies to activate the Joint Quick Response Team (JQRT) on Transportation to assist stranded commuters.

The public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, launched by the government in 2017, requires fleet modernization. The modern PUV should be environment-friendly, safe, secure and convenient with due consideration to persons with disability (PWDs). (MVI/SunStar Philippines)