Piston announces transport strike on Dec. 14-15

MANILA, Philippines — A transport group yesterday announced another transport strike on Dec. 14-15 to protest the impending phaseout of traditional jeepneys on Dec. 31 as set in the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

At a press conference, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) said that the transport strike could be extended depending on how officials will respond to their call not to proceed with the deadline set in the modernization program.

“The nationwide transport strike will start on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 and will be led by Piston, local transport groups and different progressive organizations who continue to support the drivers and operators,” said Piston president Mody Floranda.

“We can paralyze (Metro Manila). What we are saying is that modernization is not a law, it is just an executive order,” he added, noting that at least 100,000 drivers nationwide will join the mobilization.

It was former president Rodrigo Duterte who issued a directive on the implementation of the program.

Floranda disclosed that they are planning another transport strike in January 2024.

Piston is also preparing to question the legality of the PUV modernization program before the Supreme Court.

“This is a fight against the 2017-011 being pushed by the government when the Dec. 31 deadline was imposed. As early as now, operators are experiencing difficulty in the renewal of franchise of their jeepneys,” he said.

He is referring to the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s Department Order No. 2017-011 or the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, which launched the modernization program.

Floranda noted that the routes to be affected include Commonwealth, Monumento, Novaliches, Pasig, Bagumbayan, Marikina, Alabang, Baclaran, Rizal and along España, Manila.

He also appealed for public understanding as they could be left stranded during the strike.

“What we are fighting is the wrong program of the state where you will remove the livelihood of the big percentage of drivers and operators. It will result in a crisis in the economy and will affect the commuters,” he explained.

“Although we are facing the Christmas season, we urge the public to understand the plight of public transport so that we can continue our livelihood and can still serve the public,” he added.

Floranda noted that during a dialogue with Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Teofilo Guadiz III on Nov. 20, he committed to reviewing Piston’s demands.

“Since March, we kept on holding dialogue not only with the LTFRB but also DOTr, they are consistent with their answer that they will review our demands. This means that they do not have a concrete plan to resolve the problems of the drivers and operators,” he said.

Piston held a three-day transport strike from Nov. 20-22, immediately followed by another three-day transport strike by Manibela from Nov. 22-24.