Local gov’ts prepared for Monday and Tuesday transport strike

Local government units in Negros Occidental including Bacolod are ready for the two-day transport strike tomorrow Monday and Tuesday.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said offices of the provincial government will remain open during the March 21 and 22 “Untat Byahe” dubbed by organizers as People’s Holiday and Protest.

Lacson has directed department heads and encouraged them to do carpooling for the employees so that Capitol operations will not be hampered by the strike.

Other LGUs in the province have also prepared for the strike to ensure continuity in government service.

The city government of Bacolod also bared its own preparations for the two-day transport strike.

Bacolod Administrator, Atty. Edward Joseph Cuansing said that they will announce anytime the available routes that will be provided free rides to Bacolodnons.

The city will also deploy their own vehicles in various parts of the city in order to help residents get to their work places or go to the market to buy their essential needs.

Cuansing also said the city government will continue its operations during the transport holiday.

This despite the advice to the public of United Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC) Secretary-General Diego Malacad not to go out of their homes during the transport holiday as a sign of support over their cause.

Vs. Price Increases

Transport groups in the city and in the province are demanding that the national government defers the 12 percent value added tax on fuels, and suspend the excise tax also on fuels.

Last Tuesday, the price of fuel jumped for the 11th time this year – about P12 more per liter for diesel and around P7 more for gasoline.

The transport groups composed of UNDOC, FEBACDA, SSTONE and other transport organizations to hold the strike will be joined by consumers’ groups, and other organizations.*