Metro cities prepare for bigger strike next Monday
CITIES of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have to get their act together to cope with a bigger nationwide transportation strike set for July 21, Monday.
“We’re ready. We’re glad the protestors informed us ahead as well as the public so there will be fewer people who get stranded,” said Joy Tumulak, Citom operations chief in Cebu City.
He said he is coordinating with counterparts Frank Brazil in Lapu-Lapu City and Edwin Ermac of Mandaue City in case major routes in the three cities will be affected.
“We will tap the other local government units o they would also ferry people from their areas going to Cebu City,” Tumulak said.
In Mandaue City, protesting drivers will hold a protest march from the Pacific Mall to Mandaue City Hall in the morning on July 21. They will return to their routes by the afternoon.
“We assume that the transport system of Mandaue will be paralayzed because of the strike on July 21,” said Ermac, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM).
On the positive side, “at least the drivers groups announced it ahead. We can prepare for it.
Mandaue’s TEAM is read to field 10 trucks and buses for free rides on July 21. Ermac said they will look for five more units to make it 15.
Pick-up points will be announced a day before the strike.
“We expect the worse but we hope for the best,” said Ermac.
Citom executive director Rafael Yap was dismayed by the planned strike.
“The operation of a public utility is a privilege, not a right. Their certificate of public convenience states it is illegal for them to strike. Commuters end up being inconvenienced by their action,” Yap said.
He said Citom will help ensure commuters can find a ride during the emergency.
As usual, Citom will field its Kaohsiung buses and barangay vehicles.
Citom will also go easy on apprehending non-striking PUJs that travel outside their authorized route “as long as they inform the LTFRB,” said Tumulak.
At least 10,000 jeepney and bus drivers in Cebu are expected the join the strike.
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