Pasang Masda won’t join March 24-26, 2025 strike

Transport group Pasang Masda announced on Saturday that they would not participate in the transport strike organized by Manibela, scheduled for March 24 to 26, 2025.

Manibela called for the strike, alleging that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board  misrepresented the consolidation figures of public utility vehicle operators and drivers under the PUV modernization program.

According to Manibela, the LTFRB’s claim that 86% have consolidated led to the non-renewal of provisional authorities for operators who had not yet complied.

Pasang Masda National President Obet Martin stated in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB that a transport strike was not a viable solution.

“Wala pong maganda ang tigil-pasada, perwisyo sa taong bayan,” he said.

(A transport strike does no good, it only inconveniences the public.)

Martin emphasized that Pasang Masda has consistently refrained from joining past strikes organized by Manibela and PISTON, as these actions have not yielded positive results.

“Ang tigil-pasada na ginawa nila noong mga nagdaang panahon, hindi ito nagiging maganda sa ating sitwasyon,” he said.

(The transport strikes they held in the past have not improved our situation.)

Regarding the ongoing jeepney modernization issue, Martin called for proper dialogue to ensure a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges of consolidation for operators and drivers.

While some transport groups have embraced consolidation, he stressed the need for a more transparent and inclusive process.

“Kailangan magkaroon ng malayang paliwanagan, malayang talakayan at nang maunawaan higit sa lahat,” said Martin.

(There needs to be open discussions, free exchanges of ideas, and, most importantly, a better understanding.)

As for the government’s claim that 86% of jeepney operators have consolidated, Martin expressed skepticism.

According to their data, only about 40% of units are consolidated, and many documents from cooperatives and corporations are still being processed.

While acknowledging the importance of jeepney modernization for passenger safety and environmental sustainability, Martin underscored the financial burden it places on operators, particularly those unable to afford modern vehicles.

“Hindi naligtas ang mga kalawangin na traditional jeep, kaya nga nagmo-modernize,” he explained.

(The rusting traditional jeepneys were not spared, which is why modernization is necessary.)

Moreover, he emphasized that modernization should not focus solely on aesthetics but also vehicle safety and quality.

“Dapat naman bukod sa makina, hindi lang makina na sumusunod sa Euro 4 standard ang pinag-uusapan natin dito,” he said.

(Discussions should not only be on the engine, whether it meets the Euro 4 standard.)

On the transport strike, Martin expressed frustration, noting that repeated transport holidays only fuel public disillusionment. He stressed that while challenges in the transport sector persist, further disruptions are not the solution.

He concluded that Pasang Masda remains committed to serving the public, particularly those who rely on their transport services. Martinez reaffirmed that dialogue remains the best approach to addressing concerns between operators and the government.

“Ang tigil-pasada noong panahon namin ginagawa yan. Pero napag-isip ko na ito ay perwisyo sa tao ngayon,” Martin reiterated.

(Transport strikes were something we did in the past. But I have realized they only cause inconvenience to the public now.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News