Strike Paralyzes 80% of Transport in Major Cities

BY BULATLAT

The transport strike staged Nov. 25 by the cause-oriented group Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston or United Nationwide Association of Drivers and Operators) paralyzed about 80 percent of public transportation in many cities and town centers throughout the country.

As early as 7 a.m. that day, the strike had already crippled 90 percent of public transport in the areas of Caloocan City, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela City in north Metro Manila; 90 percent in the route encompassing Pacita Complex in San Pedro, Laguna to Alabang, Muntinlupa City; 90 percent of transportation to Malanday, Marikina City; 90 percent in the route Cogeo-Padilla-Cubao in Quezon City; and 100 percent in Pasay City as well as in Paco and Divisoria and the port area in Manila.

In Makati City, where Piston has no organizational presence, the various drivers’ and operators’ groups initiated their own strike, paralyzing 100 percent of public transport there.

Some operators of pier- and airport-bound ten-wheelers and other trucks also took part in the strike.

A total of 300,000 drivers participated in the strike in Metro Manila alone, Piston said in various news releases.

In the provinces, the strike crippled 100 percent of public transport in Cabanatuan and Gapan Cities, Nueva Ecija; 60 percent in Metro Cebu, 98 percent in Aklan, 99 percent in Antique, 100 percent in Guimaras, and 98 percent in Iloilo. Likewise the strike paralyzed 90 percent of public transport in the entire Bicol region as well as in many cities of Mindanao, southern Philippines. Bulatlat

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