Police deployed along Welcome Rotonda for transport strike

Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel were deployed along Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City (QC) on Monday for the ongoing three-day transportation strike against the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Members of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) started the nationwide strike a day before the expiry of the April 30 deadline for the consolidation of jeepney drivers and operators as part of the PUVMP.

As of 1 p.m., Christian Maño reported on Super Radyo dzBB the traffic situation along Welcome Rotonda remains light as the PISTON drivers have yet to arrive in the area. They are also expected to stage a program in front of the University of Sto. Tomas late in the day. 

Heavy traffic buildup is expected in the area due to the strike, the PNP added. 

PISTON announced on Saturday a three-day nationwide strike from April 29 to May 1 in protest of the PUV Modernization Program and the April 30 deadline for consolidation of jeepney franchises.

The consolidation is the initial stage of the government's PUV Modernization Program which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles which have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution and replace units that were not deemed roadworthy under the standards of the Land Transportation Office.

The Department of Transportation on Sunday stood firm that it would implement the PUV Modernization Program while awaiting the decision of the SC on the petition of jeepney drivers and operators to halt the program.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News