Jeepney drivers’ one-day transport strike in “first towns” around Iloilo City on June 3 pushed the Iloilo local provincial government to respond to some of their calls. They were able to increase the number of jeepneys allowed to travel within city limits from 25% to 40% at all times.

The number of jeepneys allowed to ply their routes within Iloilo City was reduced by the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) which is part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program or jeepney phaseout.

“This is clearly still part of the government’s plan to massacre the livelihood of drivers and operators and intensify the suffering of commuters,” the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) said.

The group said allowing 40% of jeepneys from towns around Iloilo City still fall short. The ban severely affects the routes of Leganes, Pavia and Oton, and possibly as far as San Miguel.

Drivers fear that the city route ban will pull down their income. Prior to the ban, a driver earned only an average of ₱700-₱800. This may drop to ₱100-₱300 under the new policy.

Meanwhile, transport fares were also increased due to the limited number of jeepneys plying city routes. Within Iloilo City, about 520 “modernized jeepneys” or minibuses and 1,692 consolidated jeepneys are now plying under the LPTRP.

“This is a clear indicator that the entire program of business-oriented and pro-foreign [PUVMP], including the LPTRP, is a major threat to [drivers and commuters],” said Piston.

The drivers will continue to demand on reverting to the old system where 100% of jeepneys from the “first towns” are allowed to enter the city.