Jeepney drivers are preparing for another transport strike on Monday to protest President Marcos' decision not to extend the franchise consolidation deadline beyond April 30.
Transport groups Manibela and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) will lead the strike, with thousands of jeepney and UV Express units expected to participate across the country.
"Starting Monday, April 15, we will have a transport strike nationwide, not only in Metro Manila," stated Manibela president Mar Valbuena during a briefing.
“The series of hearings for the PUVMP (Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program) has not even ended in Congress and our petition against this is still pending in the Supreme Court but the administration is in a rush to take away the livelihood of drivers and small operators,” PISTON deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon said.
‘Disregard’ to drivers’ plight
Valbuena stated that they initially planned for a two-day strike, but it could extend indefinitely if the government does not address their demands.
"The protests will continue, not just for one, two, or three days. This will persist until we reach the deadline given to us," added Valbuena.
Baylon remarked that the Marcos administration has disregarded the pleas of the transport sector, extending the deadline only after numerous strikes.
PISTON emphasized that their demand surpasses another deadline extension; they seek the complete abandonment of the franchise consolidation requirement and the PUVMP.
Additionally, the transport groups advocate for the reinstatement of five-year franchises for operators.
PISTON affirmed their ongoing opposition to the controversial PUVMP since 2017 and asserted that they will not yield to the latest deadline imposed by the Marcos administration.
Transport groups argue that the PUVMP implies a government-led phaseout of jeepneys.
Valbuena asserted that approximately 50 percent of operators who complied with the consolidation requirement since 2019 have withdrawn their applications, while others faced income losses or ceased operations.
Assistance
On the other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy its assets to assist stranded commuters during the transport strike, as stated by PNP’s chief information officer, Col. Jean Fajardo.
"Just hail our patrol vehicles, and they will assist you in reaching your destinations," she mentioned during a news briefing at Camp Crame.
The PNP will also collaborate with transport groups to identify rally areas, ensuring public safety.
Discussions needed
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe expressed interest in the progress of discussions between transport groups and government agencies regarding PUVMP issues.
"We want to assess the effectiveness of the three-month extension," Poe stated.
"Have there been meaningful dialogues between the LTFRB and transport groups? Were substantial efforts made to engage drivers and operators in the program?" she added.
Other concerns that should have been addressed by now are the “apprehensions about the loans” for drivers and operators to afford the modern jeepney units, as well as the lack of routes with consolidated jeepneys, she said.
The PUV modernization program should go full steam without a glitch and provide enough rides for the public come April 30, Poe said.
“We can’t just leave our commuters scampering for rides, especially under this extreme heat,” Poe said, as she also looked forward to the Supreme Court’s resolution on the pending petitions seeking to stop the program.
Photo Courtesy: Danny Querubin
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