Drivers and operators in Mapandan, Pangasinan staged a strike to express their concerns about the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), particularly the involvement of other transport cooperatives in their routes.
Led by the Public Utility Jeepney Transport Corporation (PUJTC), the drivers and operators parked their vehicles in front of the municipal hall.
While the group clarified that they do not oppose the PTMP, they questioned the sudden entry of other transport cooperatives into the Mapandan-Dagupan route, which they believe undermines their operations.
"Ang nangyari, bakit bigla na lang? Tinago pa nga sa akin. Nagkaroon sila ng launching at pagkatapos, kinabukasan, pumasada na sila," Benjamin Mosada, President of the PUJTC, said.
Representatives from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 1 responded quickly to the protest and engaged in discussions with the transport group.
LTFRB assured the group that their concerns would be addressed through proper channels.
"Dito muna kami, titingnan namin ang sitwasyon. [Pero] sa opisina na lang ‘yung mga complaints niyo para maaksyunan sa opisina," Allan Paul Reyes, Admin Aide VI of LTFRB-1, said.
The local government reported that a dialogue between the transport group and the LTFRB had already taken place the previous day, during which all their questions were answered.
The LGU said the cooperative in question applied for the route based on a loop designed by the provincial government.
Although the PUJTC also applied for the route, they reportedly lacked the necessary requirements.
"Wala daw silang invitation, that is the claim of PUJTC. Pero sinagot po ‘yan ng LTFRB; they had four invitations [at] um-attend po sila," Mayor Karl Christian Vega said.
Despite the PUJTC not providing prior notice about the strike, the LGU encouraged the group to collaborate for the betterment of the town’s transport sector.