Transport strike vs PUV modernization marks 2nd day amid consolidation deadline

Jeepney drivers continued their strike against the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) for the second day on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the deadline given to them to consolidate as part of the program.

A report by Bam Alegre on Unang Balita said participating jeepney drivers gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila early morning.

“Kung katapusan na, wala na kaming biyahe. Colorum na (If it's the end, we cannot operate anymore. We are already considered colorum),” driver Elmer Cordero said.

The protesters also expressed concern over possible fare hikes due to the modernization program, which the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has already dismissed as having no basis.

Despite the transport strike, some jeepney drivers in Rotonda continued their operation because they are already consolidated into cooperatives, the report said.

While not participating in the transport strike, some operating jeepney drivers said they understand the position of the protesters.

A separate report by Super Radyo dzBB's Manny Vargas said Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and other groups will stage their protest up to Tuesday evening at Liwasang Bonifacio.

Grupong Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) at iba pang militanteng grupo, maghapong magsasagawa ng mga programa sa Liwasang Bonifacio. | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/jAZI8oGM8b

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 29, 2024

Meanwhile, in Cabuyao, Laguna, the group Starter PISTON said they are supporting the transport strike.

They said 90% of jeepney routes in national highways were affected in Banlic on Monday.

The group said it will continue the strike until May 1.

Started in 2017, the PUVMP aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy by the Land Transportation Office's standards.

On Monday, transport groups filed a supplemental petition and again asked the Supreme Court (SC) to issue a temporary restraining order against the PUVMP, fearing that the program, once implemented, will result to massive disenfranchisement.

A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators. —Joviland Rita/KBK/KG, GMA Integrated News