Treñas nixes upcoming 2-day transport strike
City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday assured that business transactions and government offices would be normal despite the transport strike to be staged by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) this coming July 13 and 14.
Treñas said he has already confirmed with the leadership of Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers Association (Icada) their non-participation in the transport strike.
The mayor said that the different taxi associations will also continue to ply the city’s routes to address the transportation needs of the passengers.
“All economic activities and classes will go on. In this hard times, every problem could be discussed without resorting to a transport strike. The family of the drivers will be the first to get affected if they will push through with their plan. There are issues raised by the drivers which could be discussed,” said Treñas.
Treñas said being the center of economic activities in Western Visayas, the two-day strike will only bring economic losses. Business activities will get affected if the drivers will join forces with the Piston for the two-day strike. He is set to meet with the leadership of Iloilo City Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (Icajoda) on their position regarding the strike.
Should the city drivers change their minds and participate in the transport strike, the mayor will use his emergency powers. “I can suspend the implementation of the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO) and allow the entry of tricycles and trisikads in the streets.” Provincial jeepneys not joining the strike will also be allowed entry in the city, Treñas said.
Meanwhile, Treñas also ordered Iloilo City Police Office Director Senior Supt. Melvin Moncal to formulate an operation plan that will protect the lives of the drivers who will not participate in the strike. Their safety must be considered, they must be free from any harm. There must be maximum police visibility in all the streets, said Treñas.