Transport strike failed in Region 2, says LTO

By Leander C. Domingo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Monday that the majority of the transportation groups in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) did not participate in the week-long nationwide transport strike.
    According to LTFRB-2 regional director Edward Cabase, drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) continued to ply their routes on Monday.
    Cabase said 10 transport groups in Cagayan province, nine in Isabela, three in Quirino and three in Nueva Vizcaya did not join the strike.
    Cabase also said they have been gathering information and monitoring the status of the transport strike in coordination with local government units, the Philippine National Police, the media, and other transport stakeholders.
    "Together with the enforcement team, we are monitoring Nueva Vizcaya, which is the gateway to Region 2, for the possible entry of transport groups initiating a strike in the region," he said.
    The provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Batanes comprise Region 2.
    "Fortunately, as of today, March 6, 2023, the public utility vehicle (PUV) operations are normal and there is no suspension of classes in Region 2," the LTFRB-2 said.
    Cabase said the majority of the jeepney drivers in Nueva Vizcaya said that they cannot afford to join the strike since they make enough money to cover their daily expenses.
    Jeepney drivers are on nationwide strike in protest of the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program.
    Meanwhile, the LTFRB-2 with the assistance of transport groups has prepositioned modernize d and Omnibus Franchising Guidelines-compliant units that will offer free rides should there be insufficient public transport supply.