Transport strike in Metro Cebu orderly, peaceful

Local

PUBLIC transportation in most parts of Metro Cebu remained operational on Tuesday, Sept. 29, as a transport strike by some jeepney drivers caused limited disruption for commuters.

Members of the Cebu chapter of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) joined the nationwide strike to call for government intervention and reforms amid rising fuel prices.

The strike, the fourth organized this year, affected several traditional jeepney routes, including Tintay-Carbon, Ayala-Mandaue, Apas-Lahug and Mandaue-Consolacion-Danao.

Drivers and supporters gathered at several areas, including P. Del Rosario, Barangay Mabolo, Cabancalan and United Nations Avenue in Mandaue City, for morning protests that lasted about half a day.

By afternoon, participating drivers returned to the roads and resumed their livelihoods, said Greg Perez, president of the Piston-Cebu chapter.

Perez said the strike was limited to Tuesday.

There were no reported class suspensions in Metro Cebu due to the transport strike.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who joined the protest, urged the public to understand the drivers’ concerns, saying the impact of rising fuel and commodity prices extends beyond the transport sector.

“Importante kini nga panawagan, dili lamang nga ang makabenepisyo niini ang mga driver, kundili kita, kitang tanan nga katawhan,” said Tumulak.

Tumulak urged the public not to condemn the drivers for staging the protest.

“Usa amo lang panawagan sa publiko, dili angay i-kondinar ang atong mga driver dinhi nga gihimo nila nga rally, gumikan kay kining ilang panawagan, kitang tanan makabenepisyo," he added.

Tumulak said the government should take action against rising fuel and commodity prices, which he said are placing a burden on ordinary workers and consumers.

“Hinuon atong iampo sa nasudnong kagamhanan kining grabe na kaayo nga pagsaka sa presyo sa gasolina. Kinahanglan nga himuon kini nga aksyon sa atong nasudnong kagamhanan kay dili lalim ang mga ordinaryong trabahante masakripisyo, ug kitang tanan masakripisyo gumikan aning pagmahal sa mga paliton,” he said.

Tumulak also asked the public to understand the drivers’ decision to speak out about their concerns.

“Usa alang sa atong mga katawhan, ayaw i-kondinar kining atong mga nagasakripisyo nga mga driver. Kun wa kini sila nga mutingog, kinsa pa man ang mutingog?” Tumulak said.

Many workers also complained about rising prices but may not have the opportunity to publicly voice their concerns, the councilor added.(RBE)