MALACAÑANG on Monday, March 19, suspended classes in all levels in Metro Manila due to the transport strike.
"This is to announce that classes at all levels in Metro Manila have been suspended today, March 19, at 2 p.m.," Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in a statement.
Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) is staging a nationwide strike to protest the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program that seeks to phase out old and dilapidated jeepneys.
This is the first transport strike staged by Piston this year. Last year, the transport group carried out of series of protest actions against the government's plan to scrap old jeepneys.
In October last year, President Rodrigo Duterte slammed Piston for not complying with the current administration's PUV modernization program, and vehemently warned to tow away old jeepneys that will continue to operate in 2018.
"You have to follow because by January 1, (2018), if I see jeepney that is not registered (and is) old, I will tow it in front of you… If the government says it wants to protect public health and public interest, you have to follow it,” Duterte earlier said.
“I would not allow it. By January 1, if you did not modernize (our jeepneys), back off. You are poor? Son of a b****, fine, continue to endure poverty and hunger, I don’t care. It’s the majority of people. Do not let them suffer. If the government says it should be done, it should be done,” the President added. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)