'DIVIDED THEY FALL'
Disunited transport groups fail to cripple City

By Florence F. Hibionada and Maricar M. Calubiran

Being divided really proved disadvantageous on the cause of the transport sector. Again, Monday's strike failed to cripple transportation in the city and province of Iloilo as other groups did not support the protest action called by Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper and Operators Nationwide (Piston) Panay.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas observed the effect of the strike here was “very negligible'.

“It failed to cripple business and government transactions. There were drivers who continued to serve the riding public inspite of the call of their fellow drivers to join the one-day nationwide strike,” Treñas said.

Among the public utility jeepneys (PUJs) seen plying their routes were Molo Baluarte, Molo Timawa, Mandurriao, Lapaz, Villa and Oton.

Jeepneys plying the route of Jaro CPU and Jaro Liko were also seen on the streets.

On the other hand, provincial jeepneys at first tried to go on with their trips but later in the day others eventually stopped as there were little passengers to pick up.

However, some schools cancelled classes with school officials making early morning radio announcements.

While other schools, Collegio de las Hijas de Jesus, Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School and Saint Paul's University, among others, continued holding classes.

Business establishments in the city seemed not affected as they continued with their operations.

Top officials of the city and provincial governments, on the other hand, came out to assure of normal operations even as leaders of major transport groups took turns to appeal for a slowdown and support on their transport strike.

With city police and counterparts in the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) once again on alert for any strike-related eventualities, government vehicles were stationed anew in strategic stops for free transportation.  By mid-morning, all went well as planned and expected with no major disruptions reported in the city and elsewhere.

Meantime, usual places for strikers saw again red flags, posters and placards with anti-government sentiments and youngsters with boxes for cash donations.  Non-stop yells were also heard from the group all bearing the message of toppling down the Arroyo administration.

In a joint statement issued by BAYAN Panay, Movement for Good Governance, Arroyo Resign Movement (ARM), and Koalisyon Kontra Kartel Panay, Monday's Nationwide Transport Strike and People's Day of Protest “aim to send a very strong signal to the usurper in Malacañang that the people are tired and fed up of this abusive and oppressive Arroyo regime.”

“We assail the Arroyo government for all the hardships that the Filipino people experience today. The crises resulting from the callousness of this administration to cater to the needs of its people is now taking its toll on the patience and sensitivity of the people,” added the statement.