MALACAÑANG on Saturday, December 2, called on transport groups to hold a "peaceful" two-day strike on Monday and Tuesday, December 4 and 5.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the executive department respects any kind of demonstration, as long as it does not cause inconvenience to the public.
Andanar reminded vehicle operators and drivers who will participate in the transport strike to observe law and order.
"To those who will join the transport strike, that's their right. The government's only stance is that all of these forms of protests should be done in a peaceful manner. Protesters should not disrupt any activity or hurt anyone," Andanar told state-owned dzRB.
"They should be circumspect and they [should] do it peacefully. I hope and pray that they hold protest in such a manner that they are able to deliver their message to the government," he added.
Pinagkaisahang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) and the No To Jeepney Phaseout Coalition will stage their fourth jeepney strike nationwide this year on December 4 to 5.
In October, Piston led a transport strike against the government's jeepney modernization program, prompting the Palace to suspend government work and classes all throughout the country.
Piston's transport strike piqued President Rodrigo Duterte, forcing him to vehemently warn transport groups to comply with the government's transport modernization program, or else, their old and dilapidated jeepneys will be towed if they still operate in 2018.
Andanar said Malacañang is yet to decide on the possible suspension of work in government office and classes in public and private schools during the two-day transport strike.
"There's no directive yet from Executive Secretary [Salvador] Medialdea regarding the announcement [of suspension of government work and classes because of transport strike]. His office is still studying [whether or not to declare suspension]," he said. (VoxPop Philippines)
