Palace suspends classes in Metro Manila due to transport strike

PNA photo

MANILA — Malacanang on Monday suspended the afternoon classes at all levels in Metro Manila due nationwide transport strike staged by transport group Pinagkaisahang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston).

“This is to announce that classes at all levels in Metro Manila have been suspended today, March 19, at 2:00 p.m.,” the Office of the Executive Secretary announced.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said if the Piston pushes through with its threat to continue the nationwide transport strike, class suspension will be extended up to Friday, March 23.

“If and when Piston pushes through with its threat to continue its nationwide strike, despite its unsuccessful staging today, we will call for a class suspension in Metro Manila starting tomorrow, March 20 until Friday, March 23,” Roque said in a press statement.

Roque said affected local government units (LGUs) can decide “to the sound discretion of their heads to suspend classes in their respective areas.

“We appeal for patience and understanding, especially those commuters who were duly inconvenienced by the strike,” he said.

Despite the transport group’s strong opposition to the government’s public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program, Roque said the government will remain committed to modernize the country’s PUVs.

“We see this as one of the long-term solutions to decongest our streets with dilapidated and smoke-belching jeepneys,” Roque said.