SEVERAL local government units and schools suspended classes today, Monday, due to the scheduled nationwide transport strike to be held by transport groups protesting the Public Utility Vehicle modernization program of the Department of Transportation.
Classes in all levels in Paranaque and Pasay, both private and public, have been called off along with classes in Pampanga; Tiaong, Quezon; Majayjay, Rizal, San Pablo City, and Santa Cruz, Laguna.
In Manila, only classes in the collegiate level, both public and private, have been suspended. There was no immediate explanation why classes in elementary and high school were not suspended.
Classes in Bacolod City, Bago City, Talisay City in Negros Occidental and Iloilo City, Iloilo, both public and private, have also been suspended.
Citi Global College (all campuses), Don Bosco Technical Institute-Makati City, Guadalupe Catholic School, Malayan Colleges Laguna, St. Paul College of Makati, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle University Manila, De La Salle-College of St Benilde (Manila, Antipolo, Deaf School, Espiritu Santo Parochial School of Manila, Manila Cathedral School, University of Santo Tomas and Westbridge Institute of Technology also suspended classes in all levels.
The transport strike, according to Jun Magno of Stop and Go Coalition, intends to call the attention of President Duterte to their demands, among them the scrapping of the DOTr’s modernization program. Groups like PISTON and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) will participate in the strike.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has appealed to the transport groups not to proceed with the strike, warning them of the suspension or cancelation and revocation of their franchises.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, meanwhile, lifted the number coding scheme for all PUVs. MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago said trucks provided by the military will be deployed to help passengers who will be affected by the strike. — Rod Lagusad