The Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator sa Pilipinas (STOP) will not join the 3-day nationwide transport strike that is poised to start on Monday, July 24, 2023.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Confederation of Passenger Transport in Central Luzon, STOP President Danilo Yumul said “all our members in all regions, from Region 1 to 12 will not participate in the said transport strike on July 24, 25, and 26, 2023.”
“We strongly opposed the declaration of Mr. Mar Valbuena, chairman of MANIBELA, regarding the national strike,” said Yumul.
Yumul said “there was no meeting or consultation made with our group and different national transport leadership before the declaration of the supposed national (transport) strike.”
Yumul said the transport strike “will create alarm and affect the riding public.”
STOP is not affiliated with MANIBELA, according to Yumul.
Malacanang had already suspended classes in all levels in and government work in Metro Manila on July 24 in anticipation of the 3-day strike.
In Angeles City, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. will field five Philippine Rabbit buses in strategic areas to provide free rides to the public in case the nationwide pushes through.
Lazatin and the Philippine Rabbit management had been closely coordinating in the past years to give free rides to the public during emergencies and natural calamities.