The group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON, or United Association of Drivers and Operators Nationwide) successfully recovered on December 10 more than 20 jeeps and vans that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) illegally impounded. The vehicles were being used to transport protesters to the national anti-corruption protest on November 30 in Luneta, when the police issued baseless tickets to drivers and confiscated their vehicles.

“This is clearly harassment and suppression of the right to protest against the Marcos and Duterte regimes’ corruption. The LTO itself is a den of corruption,” Piston explained.

The group launched protests on December 2, 5, and 9 at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City. It set up tents to hold a vigil outside the agency on December 9. This forced LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao to face the drivers. In the dialogue, the agency promised to return the vehicles on December 10 without charging any fines.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also condemned the confiscation of the vehicles. According to the group, the authorities were quick to impound the vehicles of impoverished drivers while turning a blind eye to the billions stolen by those in power.

“The drivers can barely afford food because of the continuous rise in the prices of goods and fuel, they were even dispossessed of their only means of livelihood,” the group declared.

According to Piston, more other struggles remain, including a five-year franchise for drivers, vehicle registration, the scrapping of excessive fines, and the reduction of oil prices. They also need to hold all the corrupt accountable, including the top leaders, Marcos and Duterte.