Despite reports of intimidation and harassment, transport coalitions and advocates began the first day of the weeklong strike throughout the country to protest the government’s plan to phase out traditional jeepneys and implement its so-called modernization program.
On February 27, thousands of drivers and operators of jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) announced the weeklong strike after the government initially set the deadline for PUV modernization in June. Days after the strike declaration, the deadline for single operators to join cooperatives was moved once more to December 31.
As of 11 a.m. today, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) reported that at least eight routes in and outside Metro Manila have ceased operations to join the strike.
“Handang protektahan ng mga tsuper at maliliit na operator ang kanilang kabuhayan dahil buhay ng pamilya nila ang nakasalalay ngayon nasa matinding krisis sa ekonomiya,” said PISTON National President Mody Floranda in a statement.
The PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) was originally proposed in 2017, but implementation was pushed back several times due to the PUV drivers and operators’ opposition.
In response to the declaration of the strike, university operations have largely shifted to remote setup for the meantime. The University Student Council also invited students to support the strike both online and on the ground. Aside from drivers, volunteers and cause-oriented groups are expected to participate in the strike this week to encourage commuters and onlookers alike to support the drivers’ calls.
However, Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte begs to differ. In a statement yesterday, Duterte called the strike “communist-inspired” and “pointless” as it is wrongfully supported by the ACT Teachers Party-list, and how it merely serves a detrimental purpose against onsite learning.
In response, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro blasted the Duterte’s insensitivity to the issue. ”Naranasan na ba ng mga nanrered-tag sa mga drivers kung gaano kahirap ang mamasada maghapon at mag-uuwi ng kakarampot lang na kinita?” Castro said.
On Saturday, police were also reported to have threatened to remove drivers of UP Campus-Katipunan Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association out of their terminal should they participate in the strike. Additionally, Transportation Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Yebra warned PUV drivers that they could face multiple charges, as participating in the strike warrants a violation for not being able to perform public service for commuters.
Groups joining the strike have already forwarded their demands, which include the rehabilitation of PUVs instead of a complete phaseout and the effective implementation of a national public transport plan. PISTON has also called on the government to end the franchise consolidation policy, and continue giving fuel subsidies to jeepney drivers and operators.
“Ang laban ng mga tsuper at maliliit na operator ay laban din ng taumbayan. Kung wala nang prangkisa ang mga operator ay mawawalan sila kabuhayan. Magkukulang ang pampublikong transportasyon kung saan milyon-milyong mananakay ang umaasa dahil sa abot-kayang pamasahe,” the No to PUV Phaseout Coalition shared in a statement.
Protest actions are currently held in multiple parts of Metro Manila, finally meeting together once more at the Katipunan Jeepney Terminal at the end of the day. ●
The Collegian is covering the transport strike. Follow us on Twitter for updates straight from the picket lines.
