ILOILO City – The proposed one-day suspension of public transportation in this southern city due to the threat of the Delta variant of the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been scrapped.
“It’s going to be difficult. May mga frontliners kita nga nagaobra sa mga hospitals and supermarkets,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas said.
His statement came following a review of the proposal done by the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFTB)-6.
The transport sector would have been supportive of the transport holiday.
According to Raymundo Parcon, president of the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Association, they understand the goal of the proposed holiday.
“Wala problema. Intindihan man namon nga para man ‘na sa kabilogan naton nga kaayuhan. Basi pa man lang sa isa ka adlaw nga wala may magwa, wala byahe, basi pa man lang mabuhin–buhinan man ang mga kaso sang COVID ta diri,” said Parcon.
Parcon said around 80 percent of their members have opted not to operate while this city is under a “hard lockdown” from Aug. 3 to 8 plus its enhanced community quarantine status.
On the other hand, Director Richard Osmeña of LTFRB-6 Regional is urging the riding public to comply with the minimum public health standards./PN