Malacañang has appealed to transport groups to sit down with the government instead of launching a transport strike as oil prices continue to climb due to tensions in the Middle East.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro acknowledged that jeepney and transport operators are feeling the impact of the latest fuel price hikes, but said a strike would only make life harder for commuters.
“Ang nais ng pamahalaan ay pag-uusap, negosasyon, makita kung ano ang daing at kung mayroon man, magkakaroon ng transport rally. Hindi kasi ito ang tugon, hindi ito ang sagot sa mga ganitong klaseng issue dahil mas mahihirapan lang din po ang ating mga commuters sa gagawin ganitong klaseng aksyon,” she said.
Castro stressed that the government remains open to dialogue and is ready to hear the concerns of transport groups in search of practical solutions.
She also said the Palace respects the right of any group to protest, but warned that prolonged transport disruptions would hurt not only commuters but the economy as well.
“Hindi po natin pinipigilan ang sinumang nais na magkaroon ng pagpoprotesta, but still hindi po siya makakatulong sa ating ekonomiya. Kung anuman po ang gagawin ng anong grupo iyan,” Castro added.IMT
