MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to hold a dialogue with transport group Manibela over its plan to hold a three-day transport strike next week.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DOTr said Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Dioscoro Reyes to conduct a dialogue with concerned transport groups.
“The Department hopes that instead of a transport strike, we sit down for a dialogue to work together to keep commuters safe and comfortable while ensuring that the welfare of our drivers and operators is protected,” it said.
It, however, said that it is "within Manibela’s right to make their concerns heard."
“Rest assured the Secretary has taken consideration of the concerns of the transport sector to improve the implementation of the PTMP (Public Transport Modernization Program) and ways forward will be duly discussed in a sit-down meeting among them and the concerned government agencies,” the DOTr said.
Meanwhile, the DOTr, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and other government agencies are preparing to ensure that commuters will not be affected by the strike.
“The DOTr is closely working with the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) and our LGUs (local government units) to provide free rides to address any inconveniences that our commuters may experience during this activity,” it said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Manibela chair Mar Valbuena announced a three-day transport strike, possibly beginning as early as Thursday or Monday due to alleged inaccurate consolidation numbers of public utility vehicles released by the LTFRB. (PNA)