The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) condemned Pasang Masda’s Obet Martin and his so-called “Enormous 5” for their planned “counter-protest” on March 24 in Quezon City to push for the continuation of the bogus Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). Martin, known as a sellout of drivers’ struggles, launched the protest in response to the Manibela group’s transport strike.

A statement by the “Enormous 5,” which includes Pasang Masda, Altodap, Acto, Busina, and Curoda, said that the PTMP is truly for the welfare of the public and the transport sector. They also expressed “trust” in the leadership of Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

According to Piston, the likes of Martin who are clearly traitors to ordinary operators and drivers are disgusting. “Like flies swarming over garbage, the five fake organizations launched a ‘counter-protest’ at the LTFRB to support Guadiz and the failed modernization program,” Piston said.

The group added that the only thing Martin and the fake leaders of the five organizations support is their own pockets. They reportedly serve no one but their own interests, which is why they always support whoever is in power.

“Martin and the ‘Enormous 5’ are persistently subservient to the Marcos regime and its henchman Guadiz so they can grab and monopolize the franchises of small operators, especially now that their operations are losing money due to debts from modernization,” Piston further added. This move by Martin only proves their disregard for the thousands who have lost and will lose their livelihoods.

Drivers and operators have again strengthened their call to stop the bogus transportation modernization program, especially the forced franchise consolidation, when Vivencio “Vince” Dizon took office as the new Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary in February.

Recently, Dizon himself admitted that less than half or only 43% of jeepney franchises have been consolidated. This contradicts the LTFRB’s initial claims of already consolidating 86%.

Piston challenged the department to issue a resolution to scrap the program and reinstate the 5-year franchise. Driver leaders from various regions of the country, led by Piston president and Makabayan Coalition senatorial candidate Mody Floranda also had a dialogue with Dizon on March 21. They gave Dizon a 10-day deadline to issue a resolution.

Meanwhile, Manibela announced that they might extend their three-day transport strike, which started on March 24, until March 28. The drivers are determined to continue their protest until the Marcos regime addresses their demands.