To block PUV modernization: Piston to hold another protest

CEBU, Philippines — Militant transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Transport Operators Nationwide (PISTON) is planning to hold another protest to block the government’s plan to phase out jeepneys that are 15 years old and above starting January.

PISTON -Cebu Coordinator Greg Perez said they are still on the discussion stage with their planned transport protest in Cebu, as they are still waiting for further instruction from their national counterpart.

Perez said they are against the phaseout as this will impact about 99 percent of the 11,000 jeepney units in Cebu.

"Kasagaran sa atong mga jeepneys diri kay mga surplus. So, kung ipatuman gyud na sa LTFRB ang phaseout, mga 20,000 jeepney drivers ang mawagtangan og panginabuhian," said Perez.

Perez said that even if jeepney drivers will form a cooperative in order to purchase new transportation units, it would still be an uphill climb for the drivers since brand news jeepney units cost at least P1.4 million.

"Bisan magporma pa ug cooperative, dili lang gihapon na ma-afford. Ang mahitabo ani ma-monopolize ang jeepney industry sa mga kwartahan," said Perez.

The LTFRB plans fully implement the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in 2018.

The PUVMP seeks to provide safer, more comfortable and environmentally sustainable mode of public transport to commuters by upgrading vehicles to meet international safety, energy efficiency and emission standards.

In Cebu, only PISTON is opposing PUVMP implementation – a reason why no other transport groups join them when they launch a transport protest.

PISTON-Cebu has so far done two transport protests this year. (FREEMAN)