Drivers and operators belonging to Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) and Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagka-Isang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) once again picketed at the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) national office in Quezon City on September 9. Drivers and operators from Bacolod City, Baguio City and various cities in Metro Manila participated in the protest.

They carried the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution calling for the suspension of the anti-poor and pro-foreign Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (now Public Transport Modernization Program or PTMP).

The resolution is the result of persistent action by groups of drivers and operators under the United Negros Transport Coalition. Its members include Undoc-Piston, Kabacod Negros Transport Organization (Knetco), and BACOD-Manibela.

The resolution also urged the Department of Transportation and LTFRB to allow those who did not enter the consolidation to apply for individual 5-year franchise and registration.

The drivers and operators were very disappointed with the behavior of the LTFRB officials when they delivered the resolution. “Instead of granting an audience, Guadiz and the LTFRB board hid from the picketing militant drivers, operators, and citizens,” Piston said. The agency and the Marcos regime have long been disregarding the just calls of the groups.

“If they refuse to face us inside their office, they will face us on the street! PISTON’S call: PREPARE TO STRIKE!”