Transport groups divided over 2-day strike
Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers Association (Icada) President Nick Dalisay urged the convenors of the Hugpong Transport to respect their decision from not joining the strike. The decision was reached by majority of the member-driver organizations under the Icada during their July 8, 2009 meeting.
Dalisay issued the statement following the allegations made by Edgar Salarda, convenor of Hugpong Transport and chair of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) – Panay, that majority of the members of Icada wanted to join the two-day strike that starts today. Salarda said many drivers wanted to join the transport strike but was suppressed by Dalisay.
Dalisay said he has proof to show that the plan for a transport strike did not merit favor from the drivers. The media were invited during the said meeting last July 8, for them to get directly the sentiments of the drivers. However, the decision was reached that Icada will not join the transport strike. “They should respect our decision,” Dalisay said.
Dalisay added he does not want to make any comments on the allegations hurled against him by Salarda. “They should respect our decision though we are sympathetic to their cause but majority of the drivers are not in favor of the strike. The drivers are already contented with the petition sent to the national officials on oil price and other concerns of the drivers,” Dalisay added.
Aside from Icada, the Iloilo City Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (Icajoda) and the chain of taxi units in the city will continue their normal operations.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas has ordered Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Senior Supt. Melvin Moncal for a police visibility in the city’s different streets to ensure the safety of the drivers and the commuters. They should be free from harm.
Earlier, Treñas downplayed the plan for a transport strike after the city loop drivers committed to him of their non-participation in the transport strike. Nevertheless, the chief executive said he can exercise emergency actions from suspending the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO) and allowing all tricycles and trisikads to ply even the major streets just to accommodate the commuters.
“The convenience of the riding public must be considered and there are other ways to express their grievances aside from holding a transport strike,” said Treñas.