“Strike will push through” – Red-tagged transport groups unfazed by threats of arrest

Amid threats of arrest and red-tagging, the upcoming transport strike in Bacolod City on May 8 will push through as planned.

Bayan Negros and transport group UNDOC PISTON remain unfazed by the calls of “serial redtagger and NTF-ELCAC mouthpiece” Jeffrey Celiz, who alleged that the strike would be an act of “economic sabotage” and urged state forces to arrest its leaders, as published in DNX News on May 4.

According to Bayan Negros, Celiz’ red-tagging of the group and the transport workers is a desperate attempt to suppress their right to dissent. The group asserted the planned strike is a legitimate form of action as the jeepney drivers and operators are the aggrieved parties of the jeepney modernization scheme.

Bayan Negros added Celiz’ calls for state forces to arrest transport workers amid a crisis threatening their livelihoods are a greater form of sabotage than a legitimate and justified strike.

The transport groups’ demands include the immediate implementation of the M.O. 2023-017, which allows all traditional routes to extend the provisional authority until December 31, 2023, and the suspension and review for amendment of City Ordinance 966 or the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP)  for the protection of jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters.

Participating groups include United Negros Drivers and Operator Center (UNDOC – PISTON), Commuters Operators and Drivers Incorporated (BACOD), Negros Bacolod Transport Coalition (NBTC), and the Negros Consumers Watch (NCW).