MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is working with local government units (LGU) to provide free transportation in areas that will be affected by a “unity walk” by transport groups that support the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
In a statement on Friday, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III said free rides will be provided to mitigate any inconvenience that the event may cause to commuters.
“We respect the right of drivers and operators to free expression as enshrined in the Constitution, and we acknowledge the concerns of the transport sector,” Guadiz said.
Earlier, he said several transport cooperatives have scheduled a unity walk on Aug. 5 in support of the government’s PTMP.
He called on those joining the walk to ensure that they continue playing their routes so that commuters will not be affected.
On Monday, Pasang Masda president Roberto Martin condemned the Senate resolution that seeks to suspend the implementation of the PTMP.
Martin, one of the leaders of the Magnificent 7 or the transport groups that support the PTMP, said he was surprised by the pronouncement from Senate President Francis Escudero since a significant chunk of the transport sector had already complied with the PTMP.
He threatened that the group would stage a transport strike if the Senate issues a resolution against the PTMP.
“Ipadadama natin sa kanya at sa kanila ang lakas ng 80 percent na naki-isa at tumaya dito sa programa ng ating pamahalaan (We will make them feel the strength of the 80 percent that are united in joining this government program),” he said. (PNA)
