MANILA, Philippines — Transport groups led by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) and Manibela are set to launch today a two-day strike to protest the government’s implementation of its public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

Piston president Mody Floranda said the two-day transport strike kicks off in Novaliches, Cubao, Monumento, Baclaran, Pasay, Sucat, Parañaque, Bicutan, Taguig, Pasig and Marikina.

Transport strikes are also set in Bacolod, Panay, Cebu, Southern Tagalog, Davao, Central Luzon and Baguio City. “We expect at least 80 percent to 90 percent of the public transport will join as even members of the cooperatives will join the transport strike,” Floranda said.

“At 5 a.m. (today), we will start gathering in the mass up areas here in Metro Manila and different regions,” Floranda added.

For his part, Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena said that at least 20,000 drivers of traditional jeepneys will join the transport strike in Metro Manila.

“The Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Department of Transportation (DoTr), and the administration refused to acknowledge the resolution issued by the Senate on the suspension of the PUVMP,” Floranda said.

He added that many drivers cannot operate amid the LTFRB’s crackdown on public utility jeepneys (PUJs) that did not join the PUVMP.

“The LTFRB refused to renew our franchises and the registration of public transportation. There were attempts to talk to the LTFRB but the response is always to study the problem of the transportation sector. We decided to launch another transport strike so that the administration of President Marcos will finally hear our requests,” Floranda said.

He also belied the claim of the LTFRB that at least 83 percent of the PUJs joined the PUVMP.

“Based on the board resolution issued by the LTFRB in April, it admitted that at least 244 routes in Metro Manila and at least 2,600 routes nationwide did not comply with the PUVMP,” he added.

He said based on the official data from the LTFRB, there are at least 10,770 minibuses operating nationwide compared to 150,000 traditional jeepneys.

“The majority of those operating nationwide are still traditional jeepneys,” he added.

Floranda said that members of Piston and Manibela will decide today if the protesters will proceed to Mendiola on the last day of the strike.

“We will continue our transport strike in the coming months to oppose the PUVMP,” he added.

In response, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would offer free rides to commuters who may be stranded during the two-day transport strike.

PNP’s chief publicist Col. Jean Fajardo said that the PNP has already positioned its personnel and vehicles to assist commuters to be affected by the strike.

“Our police officers are on standby, and we are prepared to provide free rides to help and support our fellow citizens,” Fajardo said in an interview over dzBB yesterday.

She emphasized that while the PNP respects the right of transport groups to hold protests and rallies, the rights of drivers and operators who choose not to join the strike should also be respected.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), for its part said that an inter-agency monitoring team, to be led by the Department of Transportation and the LTFRB will monitor the transport strike.

MMDA rescue units and vehicles will be put on standby for deployment if and when necessary. — Mark Ernest Villezaaratbet

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