Drivers in the “first towns” around Iloilo City are scheduled to hold a transport strike on June 3 and 4 to oppose the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) of Iloilo City that will limit the number of jeepneys plying within the city.

Under the LPTRP, which is affiliated with the PUVMP or jeepney phaseout program, only up to 40% of jeepneys will be allowed to enter the city during peakhours (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jeeps will be limited to 25% during off-peak hours.

Drivers and commuters from the towns of Leganes, Pavia and Oton, and possibly as far as San Miguel, are greatly affected by this scheme.

Drivers said they will only be able to traverse within the city once or twice under this scheme. Their call is to restore the old system where 100% of jeepneys from the “first towns” are allowed to enter the city.

In a press conference held by the drivers at the Pavia Farmers Center on May 31, they refuted the Iloilo City council’s allegation that jeepneys cause traffic in the city. They said that private vehicles cause heavy traffic in the city and not their units.

The city entry ban will also pull down their income drastically. One driver said his income of ₱700-₱800 a day dropped down to only ₱300 when he was unable to enter the city. Other drivers earns only ₱100 for a day of transport because of the new scheme.