Ordinary drivers and jeepney operators launched a 3-day transport strike again in Metro Manila against the anti-poor and pro-foreign Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, now Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) of the Marcos regime. The strike was launched yesterday, August 14, and will last until tomorrow, August 16. It was led by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) and the Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela).

Thousands of drivers, operators and their families marched to Mendiola in Manila yesterday. Police blocked them at the Welcome Rotonda so they held a program there and parked 100 jeeps along the road. Drivers and operators also staged a protest in Bacolod City and Iloilo City.

The strike and protests are in response to Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s decision on August 7 to ignore Senate Resolution No. 1096 by 22 senators who proposed to suspend the implementation of the program. The resolution aims to address the drivers and operators’ issues and concerns.

The senators cited the high number of unconsolidated jeepneys, high prices of mini-bus replacements, elimination of an icon of Filipino culture and low level of approved plans for local routes, especially in the provinces. Only Sen. Risa Hontiveros, leader of the Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party, did not sign the resolution.

“I don’t agree with the senators because they say it was rushed,” Marcos Jr said. He said the program should proceed because it has been delayed several times, notwithstanding harming thousands of ordinary drivers and operators. The pro-business officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the leaders who are large operators from the “Magnificent 7” group applauded Marcos’ decision.

Drivers and operators again demanded the Marcos regime stop the jeepney phaseout. Piston and Manibela also challenged the LTFRB’s claim that 80% of PUVs have been consolidated. They said many of the drivers and operators were only forced to consolidate due to fear and risk of losing their livelihood.

“Let’s not allow the excuses of the Marcos Jr regime for continuing this business-oriented and pro-foreign modernization program to further deceive, terrorize, and divide our ranks and divert the public’s attention from the clear failure of this program,” Piston emphasized.

Before the transport strike, Piston held a protest at the LTFRB office in Quezon City on August 9 and August 12. Meanwhile, Manibela chapters in Caloocan City and Las Piñas City also protested on August 12.

Since January this year, Piston and Manibela have launched continuous transport strikes and protests for the scrapping of the jeepney phaseout.