Manila, March 19 -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to hold a dialogue with transport group Manibela over its plan to hold a three-day transport strike next week.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOTr said Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Dioscoro Reyes to conduct a dialogue with concerned transport groups.

"The Department hopes that instead of a transport strike, we sit down for a dialogue to work together to keep commuters safe and comfortable while ensuring that the welfare of our drivers and operators is protected," it said.

It, however, said that it is "within Manibela's right to make their concerns heard."

"Rest assured the Secretary has taken cons...