Transport groups have urged the Supreme Court (SC) to deliver a final verdict on the petition challenging the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) as a two-day strike commenced today, April 15, coinciding with the government's consolidation deadline ending on April 30.
Mar Valbuena, president of Manibela, announced plans for strike centers nationwide to oppose the phased-out of traditional jeepneys.
"Our aim during these transport protests is to voice our concerns at the strike centers and demand the reinstatement of the five-year franchise validity instead of facing government threats," Valbuena stated.
Valbuena pointed out that commuters already endure long waits for public transport even without scheduled strikes, attributing it to the government's push for the PUVMP, which exacerbates the plight of drivers, operators, and the public.
Valbuena criticized the consolidation process, alleging that it primarily benefits Chinese companies flooding the market with imported mini buses for the PUVMP.
Meanwhile, Mody Floranda, President of Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), urged the Supreme Court to issue a decisive ruling against the PUVMP.
"We hope the government recognizes the vital services provided by our jeepneys. Secondly, we appeal to the Supreme Court to resolve the fate of our sector," Floranda emphasized.
Despite PISTON's petition in December 2023, the SC has yet to issue a temporary restraining order on the PUVMP implementation.
Floranda expressed optimism about the House of Representatives issuing a resolution following five hearings on the PUVMP.
He also appealed for understanding from commuters during the transport strike and caravan, stressing that the actions were not solely for the transport sector but for the benefit of all.
Floranda claimed that based on the lower chamber's hearings, fares would increase to between P30 and P40 with the traditional jeepneys' impending phaseout.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #PUVMP #SupremeCourt #NoToJeepneyModernization