Sara lauds transport’s role in pandemic
LAKAS-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has lauded the transportation sector for its effort in keeping the economy moving amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The current travel restrictions notwithstanding, our transport operators have remained undaunted in their earnest desire to move our people and the economic goods they carry and the commerce they represent,” Duterte said during Friday’s virtual caravan organized solely for the transport sector.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyong sakripisyo. When the time comes that the restrictions are eased and eventually lifted and our economy starts opening up again, I know that you will still be there, ready and willing to do your considerable share,” Duterte added.
Duterte cited the role that the sector played as partner in Davao City’s COVID-19 response.
“Nung unang-unang lockdown natin noong 2020, ginawa naming partners in COVID-19 response ang mga jeepneys and mga taxis namin. Hindi po sila tumigil sa pagpasada nila dahil sinabi po namin na sila po ay engaged in public service,” Duterte said.
“Sila po ay auxiliary of the city government of Davao in public service by transporting our essential workers,” she added.
The city government of Davao also requested authority from the Department of Labor and Employment to have the drivers paid through the agency’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
The mayor also said the sector makes sure that public transportation is provided in the city.
“Dito sa amin, merong mga panahon na nagkukulang ‘yung mga jeepneys namin, and immediately kapag kami ay humihingi ng tulong sa mga bus operators namin ay nagbibigay kaagad sila ng augmentation sa mga jeepneys namin,” she said.
Duterte assured that she will fully support the transportation sector if she gets elected as vice president in the May elections.
“Once you put your trust in me, I will support any undertaking or activity that your group aims at making the lives of the Filipino commuters better,” Duterte said.
