ON MAY 1, jeepney drivers and operators led by Piston and Manibela joined the workers’ march to call for the scrapping of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the policy of forced franchise consolidation. This is the culmination of their 3-day transport strike and encampment. They demand the return of their 5-year franchises for their livelihood.

At the beginning of the strike on April 29, organizations of drivers and operators, together with the youth and their supporters, set up strike centers in key areas in Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog. They set up the encampment at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila at night.

Transport strikes and actions were also held in Baguio City, Calamba, Sta. Rosa, and Cabuyao in Laguna, in Rizal, Legazpi City, Cebu City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City and Davao City.

On April 29, Piston submitted a supplemental petition before the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order against the PUVMP. Earlier, they staged a picket before the court on April 23 to push it to decide on their earlier petition.

Meanwhile, jeepney drivers and operators under Manibela protested again in Metro Manila on May 6.