Pro-PUVMP groups gear up for strike over calls to suspend program

Transport groups supporting the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP) are gearing up for a strike on Monday as they expressed dismay over a Senate resolution recommending the suspension of the program, Joseph Morong reported Thursday on "24 Oras."

Twenty-two senators have signed a resolution calling for the temporary suspension of the PUVMP. 

According to the Angat Kooperatiba at Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino Para sa Modernisasyon, 83% of their public vehicles all over the country are modernized.

"Galit na galit yung sektor dahil sa ginawang ito ng Senado.Kami’y sumunod na. Nakapag-modernize na bakit ang senado ay bigla na lang ganyan ang gagawin para sa sektor? Parang hindi nila iniisip yung sakripisyo nitong maliliit,” Ed Comia, convenor of the Angat Kooperatiba at Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino Para sa Modernisasyon.

(The sector is furious with the senators’ move. We already followed in modernizing our PUVs. Why did the Senate do that? It seems like they did not think of the sacrifice we made.)

The transport groups led by the “Magnificent 7” earlier said they would go on a strike should the Senate proceed with filing the resolution.

The Magnificent 7 is composed of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, and National Federation of UV Express Inc.

Transport group Manibela, which is supportive of the program's suspension, said it will offer free rides to commuters should pro-PUVMP transport groups push through with their strike. 

Manibela also urged the House to approve the same resolution as the Senate's.

Mar Valbuena, the group's head, said that traditional and modernized jeepneys appear to be competing for passengers due to the route rationalization.  

Meanwhile, according to transport group Byahe/On-Us Solutions Inc., they were permitted to ply certain routes such as along Paco-Nagtahan in Manila to service the commuters.

The group also showed a video showing that passengers were allegedly harassed by a traditional jeepney driver.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is looking into the incident. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, the department will push through with the PUVMP despite the senators' call. —Celine Serquina/LDF, GMA Integrated News