Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang appealed to transport group Manibela to pursue dialogue with the government instead of pushing through with its planned three-day transport strike next week, saying negotiations – not protests – are the best way to address fare hike concerns.
Communications Undersecretary made the appeal after the group announced it would proceed with its transport strike from Aug. 10 to 12 unless the government grants its request for a provisional P2 fare increase while its fare petition remains pending.
She said the administration remains open to discussions with transport groups.
“Muli, ang nais ng gobyerno, ang nais ng pamahalaan ay pag-uusap, negosasyon, makita kung ano ang daing,” the official said.
[Translation: Once again, what the government wants is dialogue and negotiations to better understand the concerns being raised.]
Castro said staging a transport strike would only burden commuters.
She said the government is listening to the transport sector’s concerns and urged the group to resolve the issue through peaceful discussions.
Castro added that while the government respects the right to protest, such actions would not benefit the economy.
“Hindi po natin pinipigilan ang sinumang nais na magkaroon ng pagpoprotesta, but still hindi po siya makakatulong sa ating ekonomiya.”
[Translation: We are not preventing anyone from staging a protest, but it will not help our economy.]
