PISTON and Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (MANIBELA) announced the continuation of the transport strike from Monday, December 18 until December 25. They also saw the possibility of extending it until December 31, the deadline of franchise consolidation.
On the first day of the week-long transport strike against the jeepney phaseout, it was not just the drivers and small operators that went out on the streets to protest. Young Filipinos were there, too.
Jeepney drivers held a transport strike today as the Philippine government continues its plan to phase out not only a cultural icon in the country but the most common and affordable means of transportation for ordinary folk.
The apprehensions and the stiff fines have prompted operators to temporarily sideline their jeepneys, resulting in reduced number of jeepneys plying the streets thereby creating more difficulties for commuters.
MANILA — Various jeepney routes in Metro Manila and major roads in the provinces nationwide were almost hundred percent clear of public utility jeepneys on October 16 and 17, during the two-day transport strike. Piston estimated the participation in the strike was 90 percent on average in targeted routes. The government said it was barely…
By DEE AYROSO
“Our proposal details steps for the modernization and nationalization of our mass transport system. But Duterte personally rejected our request and instead told us to hold a two-month strike first, and he would give us a permit.” – Piston
“Why will jeepney operators accept indebtedness when the jeepneys they already have can be rehabilitated to fit the clean air, safety and other requirements of the government?”
It was Pres. Duterte himself who urged the drivers to go on a strike if they are indeed opposed to jeepney phaseout.
“We plan the protests to be participated in not just by transport groups but by various sectors, too, because commuters stand to pay the higher costs of this fake jeepney modernization.”
Bicolanos strike against oil overpricing ahead of Mar 15 nationwide consumers’ protests (Photo courtesy of Arkibong Bayan)