The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — A transport group on Tuesday said its planned three-day strike would proceed even after Malacañang’s said the protest was “not timely.” “It will definitely push through tomorrow, and we will be at Philcoa from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The government is insensitive,” Chairman Mar Valbuena told The Manila Times. Valbuena also questioned the Palace’s response, saying drivers could not be expected to delay their protest while their families were going hungry and their sick children needed treatment. “When is the time for us to strike if our families will no longer eat and our children who are sick cannot be given treatment?” he said. On Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the strike was not timely and would not help ease the effects of the Middle East war, adding that negotiation, dialogue and cooperation were needed instead. Valbuena said it would have been different if all drivers were truly benefiting from government programs and if the assistance being offered was enough to help them survive the crisis. “They do not feel the suffering that drivers are going through because they are not on the ground,” he added.
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