UP Diliman jeepney drivers hold strike

MANILA, Philippines — Drivers plying the “Ikot” jeepney route around the University of the Philippines Diliman campus staged a strike yesterday against the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

The UP transport group, composed of jeepney drivers passing through Philcoa, Pantranco, Ikot, SM North and Katipunan, suspended their operations from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The jeepney drivers called on the government to push back the PUV modernization program.

The UP Diliman Student Council expressed support for the jeepney drivers.

Last month, members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide and Manibela held protests against the phaseout of traditional jeepneys beginning Dec. 31.

No number coding

Meanwhile, the expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila is suspended today in observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said.

Dec. 8 has been declared a special non-working day under Republic Act 10966.

The number coding scheme is implemented from 7 to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Holiday pay

Workers who will opt to work today are getting extra pay, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The DOLE said the “no work, no pay” rule shall apply unless there is an existing company policy granting payment on special holidays.

The DOLE said workers who would render services today would receive an additional 30 percent on top of their regular daily pay. – Neil Jayson Servallos,  Ghio Ong, Mayan Jaymalin