Palace warns transport groups of strike consequences

THE Palace on Thursday warned transport groups there will be “consequences” on their franchises if they push through with their planned strike on Sept. 19.

“The riding public is our primordial concern. If they violate the provisions of their franchises, we will take appropriate action,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

He reminded the members of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide, a group of jeepney operators and drivers, that the Aquino administration did not hesitate in cracking down on the bus operators who struck in November.

“This government means business,” he said.

“We want franchise holders to be responsible for their certificates of public service.”

Lacierda criticized Piston Secretary General George San Mateo for belittling President Benigno Aquino III’s three-hour meeting with transport groups in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Mateo’s group on Thursday threatened a nationwide strike on Sept. 19, saying it was disappointed by the Aquino administration’s failure to stop fuel price increases.

“Mr. San Mateo is a funny man,” Lacierda said.

“There are inconsistencies here. He was all smiles during the meeting with the President. He went to the meeting without an open mind.”

Lacierda said San Mateo actually gave a position paper on the possible amendments to the Oil Deregulation Law during the meeting.

Energy Undersecretary Jose Layug said Mr. Aquino wanted his Cabinet to review the law to make it easier for the government to fine price-gouging oil companies and encourage more competition in the oil industry to bring down prices.

“Right now, before we can impose anything on oil companies, we have to file a case in court,” Layug said.

By the time we do it, it’s too late.” Joyce Pangco Pañares, Rio N. Araja, Manila Standard Today