(Eagle News) — The Palace announced a suspension of classes in Metro Manila on Tuesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the decision to suspend was made by President Rodrigo Duterte himself, “in view of actual and/or imminent threats posed by some groups.”
He was apparently referring to the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, which announced it would hold another transport strike in protest of the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program soon.
On Monday, PISTON already held a transport strike in Metro Manila and other nearby places.
According to Roque, the President “has instructed that he will suspend classes even with the slightest threat of a strike to ensure the protection and well-being of students.”
He said the suspension applies to all levels.
The discretion to suspend classes today outside of Metro Manila was left to the local government units there, he said.
“We reiterate that the government remains steadfast to modernize our public utility vehicles and will not be bullied or held hostage by some transport groups,” Roque added.
