City won't suspend Ord. 195 despite strike threat
Plagata
The city will not give in to the demands of the transport groups belonging to the Metro Iloilo Transport Federation (MITF) to suspend the implementation of traffic Ordinance 195 despite their threat to stage a strike starting January 24, two days before the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival.
City Councilor Erwin Plagata, chair of the city's Traffic Technical Working Group (TTWG), said they (referring to MITF drivers) could not hold the city hostage to their demands.
"It is up for them if they want to strike. It's their prerogative. All we are asking is for them to also respect us here in the city," Plagata said.
"What they're asking could not be given right there and then, it involves certain processes. They must understand that. The ordinance has not even reached one month and yet they already want us to have it changed," the councilor added.
Edgar Salarda of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) on Monday night announced over the radio that drivers associations under MITF will stage a transport strike starting Jan. 24 if the city continues to ignore their plea for the suspension of the Ordinance 195 which shortened their routes.
Salarda
Salarda, however, did not say how long the transport strike would last.
He said the group will make a final announcement about their plan today, Wednesday, depending on the outcome of the Sangguniang Panlungsod regular session.
The group awaits the SP's positive action on their appeal for the suspension of Ordinance 195 following the support given by the Philippine Councilor's League-Iloilo Chapter.
Last week, the SP merely "noted down" the letter of appeal submitted by the municipal mayors of Leganes, Sta. Barbara, Oton, Leganes, Pavia and San Miguel regarding the clamor of the drivers.
MITF is composed of drivers associations from the towns under the Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC), namely, Leganes, Sta. Barbara, Oton, Leganes, Pavia and San Miguel.
They are complaining that Ordinance 195 which drastically shortened their routes in going to the city has affected their income and has caused difficulty among commuters from the towns where they originate.
"We are trying to address the traffic problem in the city. They should understand us. They should not only think of themselves. This is for the general welfare," Plagata stressed in defense of Ordinance 195.
"Public consultations were made before we passed the ordinance. We didn't hear them complain during that time. Now they are asking us to have it changed to suit their own favor. That could not be," Plagata said.
City Mayor Jerry Treñas, on the other hand, downplayed the plan of MITF to strike in time of the Dinagyang Festival.
Treñas said it could not affect the Dinagyang celebration as public utility vehicles from other towns will continue to operate. Dinagyang highlights will be on Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27.
Treñas refused to comment on the MITF's appeal to suspend the implementation of Ordinance 195 as he handed it over to the city council for action.
"Under the law, it is within the powers of the city council whether to suspend the ordinance or not," said Treñas.
The mayor, however, stressed that MITF groups should respect the city's ordinances as "we also don't interfere with their ordinances."