#WalangPasok: Classes, gov't work suspended on Monday, October 16, 2017

MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATED) The Malacañang Palace announced the suspension of classes and government work on Monday, October 16, 2017 due to the scheduled transport strike against the government's plan to phaseout old jeepney units.

READ: #WalangPasok: Palace suspends classes, gov't work on October 16, 2017

 #WalangPasok: Class suspensions on Monday, October 16, 2017

The private sector will not be covered but subject to discretion of employers.

As to suspension of government work, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said it will issue the usual memorandum circular.

In a press conference, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) said that the two-day transport strike, the third this year, is set on October 16-17.

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PISTON National President George San Mateo said that aside from the different transport groups in Metro Manila, various groups in Cagayan Valley, Pampanga, Laguna, Albay, Camarines Sur and in some parts of Mindanao would participate in the protest.

Last week, several areas including Makati City, Davao City, San Mateo (Rizal), San Fernando (Pampanga) and schools such as The National Teachers College and UST Legazpi already announced the cancellation of classes.

In the past months, jeepney operators had protested against the modernization program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in which public utility vehicles (PUVs) that are more than 15 years old will be banned from the road, and will be replaced by vehicles with "low-carbon and low-emission technology."

Stop and Go Transport Coalition President Jun Magno said that drivers and operators could not shoulder the P1.6-million loan for new jeepney units and daily amortization of P800.

The group proposed for the rehabilitation of old jeepneys instead of acquiring new units.



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