MANILA – After saying that the first day of the PISTON-led transport strike had not had a significant impact because it did not have the support of much of the transport sector, Malacañang Palace late Monday night extended to Tuesday the suspension of work in government offices and classes in all levels, public and private schools.
Besides the fact that PISTON had said the strike will continue on to Tuesday, Malacañang cited the possibly inclement weather on account of a new low-pressure area as another reason for the suspension.
Memorandum Circular 29 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said: “In view of the continuing transport strike, coupled with the possible inclement weather, work in government, both national and local, and classes in all levels, public and private, including state universities and colleges, are hereby suspended on Tuesday, 17 October 2017.”
MC 29 left to the “sound discretion” of respective agency heads the decision of whether or not to suspend work in the other branches of government, as well as in constitutional commissions and other independent bodies.
“The suspension of work in private companies and offices is likewise left to the sound discretion of their responsible executive officers, taking into account the safety and convenience of their employees,” said the Palace order.
PISTON and the No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition called the strike to protest the government’s PUV modernization program, saying it would plunge tens of thousands of jeepney operators into debt because of unaffordable loan repayment schemes for the acquisition of modern vehicles, and imperil the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of jeepney drivers.
