Transport group to hold 3-day strike

MANILA, Philippines - A major transport group is set to hold a three-day nationwide transport holiday to protest the government’s plan to phase out old passenger jeepneys.

Jun Magno, president of the Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators ng Pilipinas Genuine Organization (Stop and Go), refused to say when the strike will be held.

“It will be announced the night before the actual strike so the government will not be able to prepare for it,” Magno told reporters.

This will be the third transport strike this year to protest the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)’s plan to modernize public utility vehicles.

Magno said they aim to double the routes that they intend to paralyze compared with the Feb. 6 transport holiday.

The LTFRB said at least 15,000 commuters were affected and 12 routes paralyzed in Metro Manila during the first strike.

The second strike led by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) left 7,000 commuters stranded in the metropolis.

Magno urged the LTFRB to reconsider the planned jeepney phaseout based on a draft Department of Transportation (DOTr) order.

Stop and Go questioned provisions of the DOTr order, especially the measure that requires a jeepney franchise to have a minimum capital of P7 million.

The group also slammed a provision that requires public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to have a minimum operational fleet of 20 units by next year and 40 units by the end of 2019.

“This will affect the poorest of the transport sector,” Magno said.

Aileen Lizada, spokesperson for the LTFRB, said the transport group should submit their counter-proposal on the jeepney modernization plan.

Lizada said the government would set up a guarantee fund for jeepney drivers and operators as part of the program.

She said PUV drivers and operators who would join the protest actions may face suspension or revocation of franchises.

The LTFRB and the joint quick response team from different government agencies will provide assistance to commuters during the strike, Lizada added.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urged Stop and Go not to pursue the planned three-day strike, saying it would affect motorists and commuters.

MMDA chairman Thomas Orbos said it would be better if the transport group would seek a dialogue with the LTFRB to air concerns.

“But if the strike pushes through, we are ready to assist the commuters,” Orbos said.

Orbos said the MMDA would provide trucks to transport commuters who will be affected by the strike.

PISTON and Stop and Go said they would conduct strikes until the government suspends the phaseout of jeepneys that are more than 15 years old. – With Robertzon Ramirez