Manila: The Bicol Intercity Transport Cooperative (BITCoop) announced Wednesday that it will not join the planned transport strike set until Friday, reiterating a position it has maintained even before earlier strike calls.

According to Philippines News Agency, BITCoop said it recognizes drivers' and operators' concerns about rising diesel prices and reduced income, but believes that a work stoppage would primarily affect commuters. 'Hindi solusyon ang tigil pasada kung ang pinakaapektado ay ang pasahero, (Transport strike is not a solution if the most affected are the passengers),' the group said, noting that workers, students, and daily commuters would bear the impact of disrupted transport services.

Instead, the cooperative urged the government to implement immediate and concrete measures to support the transport sector. Among its calls are direct fuel subsidies for operators and drivers, suspension of the excise tax on fuel during periods of crisis, and faster implementation of government assistance.

BITCoop said timely fuel subsidies would help sustain operations, while tax relief on petroleum products could ease financial pressure on both operators and commuters. The group also called for swift government action, stressing that announcements should be backed by prompt execution.

It added that it will continue coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and other concerned agencies to pursue long-term solutions for the transport sector. BITCoop assured the public that its services would remain uninterrupted during the three-day transport strike.