Police arrest PISTON leader outside QC Hall of Justice

MANILA, Philippines— Police arrested transportation group leader George San Mateo in front of the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Tuesday afternoon as he was about to post bail for a standing warrant.

The Pinagkaisahang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) president was supposed to post bail of P4,000 for a case filed against him by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for leading a transport strike in February.

He was brought to Quezon City Police District Station 10 along EDSA Kamuning.

Reports said San Mateo's arrest led to a brief confrontation when police blocked him from posting bail.

A Quezon City court issued a warran for Mateo's arrest last Friday for leading a transport strike in February.

He was charged with violating Section 20(k) of the Commonwealth Act 146 or the Public Service Law.

The transport leader’s case stemmed from a  complaint filed by the LTFRB last September. The board said the strike was prohibited under its Memorandum Circular 2011-04, which outlines the revised terms for the granting of certificates of public convenience. 

PISTON has been opposing a government plan to replace jeepneys with more efficient public utility vehicles that the group said would be too expensive for single-unit operators.

The government has suggested drivers and operators consolidating into cooperatives to help with the costs. The Transportation department has also promised financial support like loans to help jeepney drivers and operators transition from the old jeepneys.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr said the arrest warrant against San Mateo is “obviously harassment and a move to intimidate transport groups.”

Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, said "the timing of the release of the arrest warrant is suspect and casts doubt on the intent of the complainant in filing such charges."

She added that citizens have a constitutional right to hold peaceful assemblies and that the Public Utility Jeepney modernization program should be developed through a democratic process.

"It is unclear based on the cited section of the Public Service Act what exactly San Mateo violated. If holding a strike is tantamount to a violation under any memorandum of the LTFRB, then the proper penalty should have been a fine or suspension or cancellation of their franchise, not threatening their leader with incarceration," she said. — Rosette Adel with a report from Gaea Katreena Cabico