MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said that protesting in the streets is “not the answer” to alleviating the struggles of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, as another transport strike is set for next week.
This came after Manibela announced a planned transport strike from Aug. 10 to 12, aimed at pressuring the government to grant a provisional P2 fare increase and addressing the burden of high oil prices.
“What the government wants is dialogue and negotiation — to understand the grievances — and even if there is a transport rally, that is not the solution,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
To alleviate the struggles of PUV drivers, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has submitted a recommendation to the Palace to increase the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUVs) to P20 per liter.
Castro confirmed that the recommendation is under review by the Office of the President and other relevant agencies.
“We have talked to Secretary Banoy, and the Office of the Secretary is discussing the details with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the economic team,” she said.
The P10-per-liter fuel subsidy, extended until the end of August, has provided temporary relief to the transport sector.
