LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Local government officials have announced the suspension of classes in parts of Bicol on Monday due to a transport strike.
The mayors of Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan and this city announced the suspension of classes in all levels.
Some schools in other parts of the region had earlier announced class suspensions.
The strike is expected to paralyze at least 95 percent of public transport in Albay, Masbate, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon, according to Ramon Rescovilla, Condor-Concerned Drivers and Operators-Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide deputy secretary-general.
“We are questioning... why our franchise is valid only up to 2019 instead of 2020,” Rescovilla said.
He said many operators had invested on their units thinking their franchises will expire in 2020.
“Many... will support us due to rising prices of petroleum products,” Rescovilla said, adding that they are against oil deregulation and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Law.
Rescovilla said they are coordinating with other transport groups including tricycle drivers in Daraga and Legazpi.
Cedric Daep of the Albay Provincial Security and Emergency Management Office said local government units should be ready with contingency plans to assist affected commuters.